# Service difficulty reports: Lycoming O-360-A3A

A list on [Lycoming O-360-A3A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-a3a.md).

Newest first. General aviation reporting is voluntary.

- [SDR 2023FA0000841](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2023FA0000841.md): Cowling · failed · Dec 4, 2023 · N9166J · Piper PA28180 · Powerplant System
  > UPPER COWLING BROKE AWAY FROM AIRCRAFT DURING FLIGHT. AFTER INSPECTING THE AIRCRAFT, IT SEEMS THE FRONT PIN BROKE OFF THE COWLING POSSIBLY THE ADESSIVE FAILED AND CAUSED THE PIN TO BREAK AWAY AND THE UPPER COWLING TO ALLOW AIRFLOW TO ENTER THE COWL AND PUT TOO
- [SDR CA151212003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA151212003.md): Transponder · failed · Dec 12, 2015 · Cessna 172M · ATC Transponder System
  > (CAN) TRANSPONDER FAILED TEST DURING BIANNUAL TEST. UNIT FAILED FREQUENCY TEST UPON CORRELATION CHECK, UNIT WAS REPAIRED JUL 16, 2014 AND FREQUENCY WAS RECORDED LOW AT 1087 MHZ. SHOULD BE 1090 +- 1 MHZ.
- [SDR CA150513007](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150513007.md): Stud · missing · May 13, 2015 · Cessna 172M · Engine Cowling System
  > (CAN) COWL STUDS KEEP DISAPPEARING FROM THE ACFT IN FLIGHT DUE TO VIBRATION, SEEMS LIKE A BAD DESIGN.
- [SDR 2015FA0000163](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2015FA0000163.md): Structure · corroded · Apr 28, 2015 · N454MD · Piper PA28180 · Standard Practices/Structures
  > EXTENSIVE CORROSION IN FUSELAGE AND WINGS, ESPECIALLY THE LEFT WING. THE PLANE WAS SO BADLY CORRODED IT LOOKED AS IF THE PLANE HAD BEEN IMMERSED IN SALT WATER AND THE COST OF THE REQUIRED REPAIRS WOULD EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE PLANE. IN ADDITION, THE LEFT WING
- [SDR 2014FA0000452](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2014FA0000452.md): Muffler · blocked · Jul 28, 2014 · N4931L · Piper PA28180 · Engine Noise Suppressor
  > THE FORWARD MUFFLER WAS REMOVED FROM THE NR 1 AND NR 2 CYLINDERS. THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE LT AND RT RISERS REVEALED WHITE AND GRAY DEPOSITS CONSISTENT WITH NORMAL OPERATION. A VISUAL INSPECTION REVEALED THE MUFFLER BAFFLING HAD SEPARATED FROM ITS LT SID
- [SDR CA130717004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130717004.md): Exhaust Duct · cracked · Jul 16, 2013 · Cessna 172M · Engine Collector/Tailpipe/Nozzle
  > (CAN) DURING A 200HR INSPECTION, EXHAUST STAINING WAS NOTICED ON THE LT FORWARD CYLINDER. THE L/H FORWARD EXHAUST STACK WAS FOUND TO HAVE ONE OF THE MOUNTING FLANGES CRACKED OFF WHERE IT IS WELDED TO THE EXHAUST STACK. THE EXHAUST STACK WAS REPLACED AND THE AI
- [SDR CA110613018](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110613018.md): Rotor · cracked · Jun 2, 2011 · Cessna 172P · Magneto/Distributor
  > MAGNETO ROTOR CRACKED AT THE SPLIT WHERE THE POINTS CAM GETS INSERTED. THE CRACK CAUSE THE SMALL ROTOR GEAR TO FALL AWAY AND LOSE CONTACT WITH THE DISTRIBUTOR GEAR STOPPING THE FUNCTION OF THE MAGNETO. BOTH SIDE OF THE SPLIT WERE CRACKED CLEAN OFF. MY GUESS
- [SDR CA110429004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110429004.md): Skin · cracked · Apr 20, 2011 · Cessna 172P · Horizontal Stabilizer, Plate/Skin
  > (CAN) CRACK FOUND ON HORIZONTAL STABILIZER FWD SPAR CENTER SKIN AT THE LIGHTNING HOLE MOST LIKELY DUE TO BAD GROUND HANDLING. SPAR CENTER SKIN REPLACED WITH NEW UPGRADED SKIN.
- [SDR CA070725006](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA070725006.md): Crankcase · damaged · Jul 25, 2007 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > (CAN) OVERHAULED CYLINDER ASSY`S WERE INSTALLED APPROX 500 HRS AGO ONTO A FRETTED CRANKCASE. THE CENTER MAIN BEARING THEN SPUN IN THE BEARING SADDLE. METAL WAS DETECTED IN THE OIL SCREEN AND THE ENGINE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TORN DOWN FOR OVERHAUL. THE CRANKCASE
- [SDR 2007FA0000074](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2007FA0000074.md): Bulkhead · corroded · Jan 23, 2007 · N7095W · Piper PA28180 · Fuselage Main, Bulkhead
  > THE BULKHEAD, BRACKETS, AND DOUBLERS AT STA. 228.3 WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THIS BULKHEAD IS THE FRONT SUPPORT FOR THE VERTICAL STABILIZER/RUDDER ASSEMBLY. THE CORROSION COVERED AN AREA APPROXIMATE THE SIZE OF THE FRONT RUDDER ATTACHMENT BRACKET THAT IS PART OF
- [SDR 2007FA0000075](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2007FA0000075.md): Bulkhead · corroded · Jan 23, 2007 · N7095W · Piper PA28180 · Fuselage Main, Bulkhead
  > THE BULKHEAD, BRACKETS, AND DOUBLERS AT STA. 228.3 WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THIS BULKHEAD IS THE FRONT SUPPORT FOR THE VERTICAL STABILIZER/RUDDER ASSEMBLY. THE CORROSION COVERED AN AREA APPROXIMATE THE SIZE OF THE FRONT RUDDER ATTACHMENT BRACKET THAT IS PART OF
- [SDR 2006FA0000905](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2006FA0000905.md): Diaphragm · ruptured · Sep 14, 2006 · N7103W · Piper PA28180 · Engine Fuel Pump
  > UPON RETURNING FROM A TRAINING FLIGHT, A FAINT SMELL OF GAS WAS NOTED. SINCE THE ELECTRIC PUMP WAS ON, IT WAS TURNED OFF. NO ENGINE PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS WERE NOTED AND LANDING WAS NORMAL. UPON LANDING IT WAS NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS DRAINING FROM THE FUEL PUMP
- [SDR 2006FA0000904](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2006FA0000904.md): Pump · leaking · Sep 14, 2006 · N7103W · Piper PA28180 · Fuel Injector Nozzle
  > UPON RETURNING FROM A TRAINING FLIGHT, A FAINT SMELL OF GAS WAS NOTED. SINCE THE ELECTRIC PUMP WAS ON, IT WAS TURNED OFF. NO ENGINE PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS WERE NOTED AND LANDING WAS NORMAL. UPON LANDING IT WAS NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS DRAINING FROM THE FUEL PUMP
- [SDR PNR2004F00000](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/PNR2004F00000.md): Attach Bracket · cracked · Apr 12, 2004 · N9265J · Piper PA28180 · Fuselage Miscellaneous Structure
  > U SHAPED ALTERNATOR TO ENGINE ATTACH BRACKET FOUND CRACKED. CRACK WAS TANGENTIAL TO THE REAR BOLT HOLE IN A MOSTLY LATERAL DIRECTION. IF CRACK HAD CONTINUED, IT WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY CRACKED ALL THE WAS ACROSS BRACKET, BEHIND THE REAR BOLT HOLE, ALLOWING THE
- [SDR CA030918002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA030918002.md): Bearing · brinelled · Aug 28, 2003 · Cessna 177 · Aileron Control System
  > (CAN) SNAPPING NOISE HEARD WHEN AILERON MOVED. BEARING AREAS ON CONTROL TUBES FRONT OF FIREWALL FOUND SEVERELY BRINELLED.
- [SDR ZKG2002F00000](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/ZKG2002F00000.md): Skin · corroded · Jan 21, 2002 · N7991W · Piper PA28180 · Fuselage Main, Plate/Skin
  > WHILE REPLACING WINDSHIELDS FOUND UNDER COVERING ON TOP OF INSTRUMENT PANEL. CORRISON ON SKIN FOR TOP OF INSTRUMENT PANEL, LEFT SIDE. CORROSION WAS IN THE AREA OF THE GLUE.
- [SDR 2001FA0000212](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2001FA0000212.md): Crankshaft · broken · Aug 13, 2001 · N8424W · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > CRANKSHAFT FRONT MAIN JOURNAL, FRACTURED AT THE REAR RADIUS OF THE CRANKSHAFT FLANGE. PROPELLER SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT. LOSS OF OIL AND OIL PRESSURE, ENGINE SEIZED UP AND QUIT. THIS CRANKSHAFT WAS PURCHASED BY THE AIRPLANES INSURANCE COMPANY AT THE LAS
- [SDR AUS20010611](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/AUS20010611.md): Piston Ring · failed · Jun 13, 2001 · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section
  > (AUS) NR 3 CYLINDER FIRST AND SECOND PISTON RINGS BROKEN. PISTON LANDERODED. NR 4 CYLINDER NO1 PISTON RING BROKEN. PISTON RINGS WERECAST IRON IN CHROME CYLINDERS. SMALL AMOUNT OF ALUMINIUM ALLOYMETAL IN OIL FILTER.
- [SDR AU000882](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/AU000882.md): Carburetor · faulty · Sep 14, 2000 · Piper PA28180 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating Engines
  > (AUS) CARBURETOR PRIMARY VENTURI DISLODGED. VENTURI WAS A TWO-PIECE ITEM. (X)
- [SDR 20000731SH011](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20000731SH011.md): Exhaust Valve · broken · Jul 12, 2000 · N8914J · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section
  > PILOT REPORTED DURING CRUISE OPERATION ENGINE BECAME ROUGH AND LOST PARTIAL POWER. PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE AT RUSH CITY, MN, REGIONAL AIRPORT. INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED APPROX 50 PERCENT OF NR 2 EXHAUST VALVE FACE MISSING, AND EVIDENCE OF PIECES IMPACTIN
- [SDR AU000353](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/AU000353.md): Fuel Tank · contaminated · Apr 16, 2000 · Piper PA28180 · Aircraft Fuel System
  > (AUS) FUEL SYSTEM CONTAMINATED WITH ETHYLENE DIAMINE (EDA). FOLLOWING DECONTAMINATION WASH, WATER WOULD NOT DRAIN FROM THE TANKS. A PROBE INSERTED VIA THE WATER DRAIN PORT RESULTED IN A DIAPHRAGM BEING FELT. THE DIAPHRAGM WAS PUNCTURED TO DRAIN THE WATER. T
- [SDR AU000226](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/AU000226.md): Exhaust Valve · broken · Mar 27, 2000 · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section
  > (AUS) NR 2 CYLINDER EXHAUST VALVE FAILED. NR 2 CYLINDER AND SPARK PLUGS DAMAGED. A FRAGMENT OF THE FAILED EXHAUST VALVE WAS INGESTED BY NR 3 CYLINDER CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE.
- [SDR 99ZZZX1109](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX1109.md): Bearing · loose · Feb 12, 1999 · N7399W · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > AIRCRAFT ENGINE LOST OIL PRESSURE. DURING ENGINE INSPECTION, TEAR-DOWN, DETERMINED THAT NR 4 ROD BEARING TURNED (SPUN) IN THE ROD JOURNEL CREATING EXCESSIVE HEAT. THE ROD CAME THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE CASE.
- [SDR CA980930012](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA980930012.md): Crankshaft · cracked · Sep 22, 1998 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > (CAN) REPORT OF PROBLEMS WITH CRANKSHAFT BALANCING R & O SHOP LED OWNER TO GROUND HIS AIRCRAFT AND REMOVE THE CRANKSHAFT FOR MPI INSPECTION. CRACKS WERE FOUND AROUND 80 PERCENT OF THE NR 4 CRANKPIN RADIUS. SIGNS OF OVERHEATING WERE ALSO PRESENT ON THE SURFAC
- [SDR 98ZZZX776](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX776.md): Crankshaft · cracked · Feb 10, 1998 · N56WB · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > CRANKSHAFT WAS FOUND CRACKED AFTER PRECAUTIONARY REMOVAL FOLLOWING RECENT ENGINE OVERHALL (8.8 HRS). CRANKSHAFT WAS PROCESSED BY REPAIR AGENCY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. SUSPECT PART MAY HAV BEEN IMPROPERLY MACHINED. CRACK WAS AT NR 5 JOURNAL RADIUS APPROX 2.50
- [SDR 98ZZZX916](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX916.md): Crankshaft · cracked · Feb 10, 1998 · N56WB · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > CRANKSHAFT WAS FOUND CRACKED AFTER PRECAUTIONARY REMOVAL FOLLOWING RECENT ENGINE OVERHAUL (8.8 HRS). CRANKSHAFT WAS PROCESSED BY REPAIR AGENCY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. SUBMITTER SUGGGESTED PART MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MACHINED. CRACK WAS AT NR 5 JOURNAL RADI
- [SDR AU971488](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/AU971488.md): Hose · deteriorated · Nov 6, 1997 · Piper PA28180 · Engine Oil Distribution (Airframe Furnished)
  > (AUS) OIL COOLER HOSES (2OFF) FAULTY. OIL SEEPING THROUGH FIRE SLEEVE.
- [SDR 98ZZZX965](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX965.md): Rotor · failed · Jul 2, 1997 · Magneto/Distributor
  > INSPECTION FOR MAGNETO FAILURE FOUND ROTOR CONTACT END BROKEN.
- [SDR CA960827103](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA960827103.md): Tanks · leaking · Jul 11, 1996 · Piper PA28180 · Fuel Storage
  > (CAN) BOTH FUEL TANKS FOUND TO BE LEAKING FROM VARIOUS POINTS. FUEL LINES ALSO LEAKING. PHOTOS OF THE AIRCRAFT SUGGEST MAINTENANCE NEGLECT.
- [SDR CA960827104](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA960827104.md): Panel · cracked · Jul 11, 1996 · Piper PA28180 · Wing, Plate/Skin
  > (CAN) TWO CRACKS WERE FOUND ON THE BOTTOM OF THE WING PANEL. THE FIRST CRACK APPROXIMATELY 5 INCHES LONG AND STARTING 3 1/2 INCHES FORWARD OF THE SPAR. THE SECOND CRACK IS APPROXIMATELY 3 1/2 INCHES LONG AND STARTING FROM THE FOURTH RIVET ON THE FORWARD ROW OF
- [SDR AU960789](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/AU960789.md): Fitting · wrong part · May 30, 1996 · Piper PA28180 · Pitot/Static System
  > (AUS) AIRSPEED INDICATOR PITOT LINE FITTING AND PIPE INCORRECT AUTOMOTIVE PARTS - PERSONNEL/MAINTENANCE ERROR - UNAPPROVED PART - FOUND DURING PITOT SYSTEM LEAK CHECK IAW AD/INST/8
- [SDR AU960790](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/AU960790.md): Pipe · damaged · May 30, 1996 · Piper PA28180 · Aircraft Fuel Distribution System
  > (AUS) FUEL SUPPLY PIPE BETWEEN FUEL SHUTOFF AND FIREWALL BULKHEAD FITTING KINKED FROM HAND BENDING - PIPE IS MALLEABLE COPPER FITTED DURING MODIFICATION FOR USE OF MOGAS IAW FAA STC SA2660CE,SE2563CE AND SE2587CE - PERSONNEL/MAINTENANCE ERROR
- [SDR CA960620201](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA960620201.md): Rotating Shaft · sheared · May 19, 1996 · Piper PA28180 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) PILOT NOTICED A 250 RPM DROP ON THE RIGHT MAGNETO DURING RUN-UP, AS WELL AS SIGNIFICANT ROUGH RUNNING WHEN ONLY THE RIGHT MAGNETO WAS SELECTED. AFTER SHUTDOWN THE RIGHT MAGNETO WAS REMOVED AND DISASSEMBLED. INSPECTION OF THE MAGNETO REVEALED A SHEARED MA
- [SDR 96ZZZX594](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/96ZZZX594.md): Hose · over age · Jan 18, 1996 · Piper PA28180 · Engine Fuel Distribution
  > NEW ENGINE HOSES RECEIVED FROM PIPER WERE FOUND TO BE 6 YEARS OLD. THE DISTRIBUTOR AGREED THIS WAS UNSATISFACTORY SAYING AT FIRST THAT 5 YEARS WAS THE MAXIMUM SHELF LIFE; BUT, AFTER CONTACTING PIPER, FAX'ED A STATEMENT THAT PIPER'S PROPRIETARY INFORMATION ALL
- [SDR 95ZZZX2736](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX2736.md): Valve Sleeve · broken · May 11, 1995 · N7851W · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Oil System
  > FOUND LARGE ALUMINUM PARTS IN SUCTION SCREEN. THEY APPEARED BROKEN AND UNMARRED, I,E,; HAD NOT BEEN GROUND UP IN A GEAR TRAIN. FURTHER INVESTIGATION USING LYCOMING OVERHAUL MANUAL NR 60294-7, PAGE 7-2, IDENTIFIED POSS END ITEM, DISASSEMBLED OIL PSI RELIEF VA
- [SDR 95ZZZX3191](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX3191.md): Distributor Gear · loose finger · May 10, 1995 · N9521J · Piper PA28180 · Magneto/Distributor
  > ENGINE RAN ROUGH ON RIGHT MAG. DISASSEMBLED MAG AND FOUND TEETH ON DISTRIBUTOR GEAR MISSING AND LOOSE DISTRIBUTOR FINGER ELECTRODE. LOOSE ELECTRODE PROBABLY HIT STATIONARY ELECTRODE CAUSING TEETH TO BREAK.
- [SDR 95ZZZX2711](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX2711.md): Carburetor · fod · Apr 6, 1995 · N9362J · Piper PA28180 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating Engines
  > OWNER REPORTS THAT ENGINE NOT GOING TO NORMAL RPM AT FULL THROTTLE. FOUND FUEL/AIR MIXTURE TO BE RICH, AFTER REMOVING CARBURETOR AIR BOX FOUND PIECE OF STYROFOAM PACKING SIZE OF A DIME LODGED BETWEEN VENTURI AND MAIN FUEL METERING TUBE. REMOVED FOD AND OPS C
- [SDR 95ZZZX2674](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX2674.md): Coil · cracked · Feb 23, 1995 · N44156 · Piper PA28180 · Magneto/Distributor
  > THIS COIL WAS INSTALLED IN MAGNETO NOT COVERED BY AD 94-01-03 OR AD 94-01-03-R1. SUBMITTER SUGGESTS REMOVING PLASTIC FLAG ON DATA PLATE SIDE OF ALL SUSPECT MAGS AND LOOK WITH A PEN LIGHT FOR IMPROPER COILS.
- [SDR 95ZZZX637](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX637.md): Crankshaft · broke · Jan 26, 1995 · N2FOR · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > WHILE IN-FLIGHT, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE -- CRANKSHAFT BROKE CLEAN IN HALF AT NR 3 CONN ROD JOURNAL. SUSPECT HEAT/FATIGUE CRACK, OR IMPROPER UNDERSIZING PROCESS.

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT sdr_id, difficulty_date, n_number, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, part_name, part_condition, jasc_code, discrepancy
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_service_difficulty_report.parquet'
WHERE engine_model_key = 'O360A3A'
ORDER BY difficulty_date DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-360-a3a/reports

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.