EASA SIB NE-13-04: Continental Motors, Inc. — Connecting Rod Piston Pin Bushing Inspection

What to do

Operators and maintenance personnel should inspect the connecting rod piston pin bushings each time a cylinder is removed or if piston pin bushing material is found during maintenance. It is recommended to remove all cylinders, pistons, and piston pins to facilitate thorough inspection. There is no specified compliance deadline, but inspections should be incorporated into routine maintenance schedules.

Summary

The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin NE-13-04 provides guidance on inspecting the connecting rod piston pin bushings in all Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) series engines. It alerts owners, operators, and certified repair facilities to inspect these components during cylinder removal or when piston pin bushing material is found during routine maintenance. This bulletin applies to all models of CMI series engines and aims to ensure continued airworthiness without mandating regulatory action.

What changed

SAIB NE-13-04 introduces recommended inspection procedures for the connecting rod piston pin bushings in CMI series engines. It highlights potential causes of bushing failure, including design factors like the connecting rod pin bore chamfer and bushing split line positioning, and references CMI Service Bulletin SB07-1 for detailed inspection instructions. This bulletin does not impose mandatory requirements but provides important maintenance recommendations.

Why it matters

This information is critical for aviation professionals to prevent engine damage caused by piston pin bushing failure, which can lead to material contamination in the engine sump and oil filter. Operators and maintenance organizations benefit by identifying potential issues early during routine maintenance, thereby enhancing engine reliability and safety. Compliance teams should be aware that while this bulletin is not mandatory, following its recommendations supports best practices and helps avoid costly repairs.