# Service difficulty reports: Lycoming TIO-540-A2C

A list on [Lycoming TIO-540-A2C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tio-540-a2c.md).

Newest first. General aviation reporting is voluntary.

Page 1 of 5 · 249 reports

- [SDR 2026FA0000026](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2026FA0000026.md): Transmitter · defective · Jan 15, 2026 · N61490 · Piper PA31 · Fuel Pressure Indicating
  > PILOTS RETURNED FROM THEIR FLIGHT WITH A SQUAWK DETAILING THAT FUEL PRESSURE INDICATOR BEGAN DISPLAYING A NULL VALUE. THIS WAS DUE TO A PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE UMA FUEL PRESSURE SENDER, P/N T1EU100D, S/N B0197, IN THE RIGHT NACELLE. IT ONLY LASTED 103 HOURS O
- [SDR CA190711008](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA190711008.md): Lamp · failed · Jul 10, 2019 · Piper PA31 · Navigation System
  > (CAN) CAPTAIN SIDE EHSI PROJECTION LAMP FAILED IN FLIGHT, AFTER APPROXIMATELY 55 HOURS OF OPERATION SINCE NEW. FLIGHT CONTINUED WITH NO OTHER ISSUES, AND LAMP REPLACED AFTER LANDING. VENDOR NOTIFIED (TC# 20190711008)
- [SDR CA190801010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA190801010.md): Strut · cracked · Jul 1, 2019 · Piper PA31 · Main Landing Gear Strut/Axle/Truck
  > (CAN) LEFT HAND MAIN LANDING GEAR STRUT COLLAPSED ON LANDING. FOLLOWING INSPECTION BY AN AME THE LANDING GEAR HOUSING WAS FOUND TO HAVE AN 8 INCH LONG CRACK THAT ALLOWED THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND NITROGEN TO LEAK OUT ON LANDING. THE LANDING GEAR HOUSING WAS REPL
- [SDR CA190627005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA190627005.md): Drive Shaft · leaking · Jun 20, 2019 · Piper PA31 · Engine Fuel Pump
  > (CAN) LEAKING FROM DRIVE SHAFT SEAL AND SHAFT WORN (TC# 20190627005)
- [SDR CA150915004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150915004.md): Pump · failed · Sep 15, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Engine Fuel Pump
  > (CAN) WITH THE BOOSTER PUMP ON, THE ENGINE DRIVEN FUEL PUMP WAS FOUND INTERNALY LEAKING THROUGH THE PRESSURE REGULATOR DIAPHRAGM CHAMBER IN TO THE PUMP VENT LINE TO END UP IN THE INDUCTION SYSTEM. A NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED AND FOUND SERVICEABLE.
- [SDR CA150623003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150623003.md): Line · punctured · Jun 14, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Engine Oil Indicating System
  > (CAN) LT ENGINE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LINE PUNCTURE FROM CHAFING.
- [SDR CA150610004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150610004.md): Tire · blown · Jun 8, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Tire
  > (CAN) DURING THE ROLL OUT, IMMEDIATELY AFTER LANDING ON RUNWAY 30, LT MAIN TIRE BLEW. TAXIED ACFT CLEAR OF RUNWAY & SHUTDOWN ON A3 TAXIWAY. TOWED ACFT TO HANGAR.
- [SDR CA150704001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150704001.md): Engine · damaged · Jun 6, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Engine (Reciprocating)
  > (CAN) ENGINE RT, HIGH LEVELS OF ALUMINUM & MODERATE LEVELS OF CHROME STEEL WEAR SHOWING ON ENG OIL ANALYSIS TREND, MICRO TECH SYSTEMS LAB NUMBER UL4452 & VC5327. 1759.8 HRS TSOH, 107.2 MONTHS SOH. REMOVE RT ENG NR 4 & 6 CYLINDERS, ENG SN RL-9515-61A, TO INSP
- [SDR CA150608004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150608004.md): Distributor Blk · damaged · Jun 5, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) DEAD MAG AT RUN-UP. MAGNETO REMOVED, DISASSEMBLED, & INSPECTED. FOUND LATERAL MOVEMENT OF DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR, ROTOR POINT CONTACTING DISTRIBUTOR HOUSING POINTS. THE ROTOR GUIDE, METAL BUSHING IN THE PLASTIC DISTRIBUTOR HOUSING BODY THAT THE DISTRIBUTOR
- [SDR CA150527001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA150527001.md): Plate · cracked · May 22, 2015 · Piper PA31 · Exhaust Turbocharger
  > (CAN) RIGHT ENG TURBO SUPPORT BRACKET CRACKED.
- [SDR 2015FA0000162](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2015FA0000162.md): Landing Gear · lack of lube · Apr 27, 2015 · N27987 · Piper PA31310 · Nose/Tail Landing Gear
  > NOSE GEAR NOT EXTENDING IN FLIGHT DUE TO LACK OF LUBE AIRPLANE OPERATED AND PARKED ON GRAVEL NEXT TO SALT WATER PAST 300 HR 2 YEARS OLD LUBE INTERVALS 100 HR NEW LUBE INTERVALS 25 HR R & R MOST BOLTS AND BUSHINGS ON NOSE GEAR DUE TO RUST
- [SDR CA140909010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA140909010.md): Bearing · corroded · Aug 28, 2014 · Piper PA31310 · Landing Gear Actuator
  > (CAN) THE NLG ACTUATOR ROD END BEARING FAILED AT THE THREADED SHAFT. THIS CAUSED THE NLG TO COLLAPSE WHILE THE ACFT WAS BEING TOWED. THE ROD END BEARING THREADED SHAFT SHEARED OFF AT THE END OF THE NLG ACTUATOR. NO HARD LANDINGS AND 3 GREEN LIGHT ON THE LAND
- [SDR CA141219002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA141219002.md): Combust Chamber · cracked · Mar 26, 2014 · Piper PA31 · Heating System
  > (CAN) THIS WAS DISCOVER DURING REGULAR 5 YEARS PRESSURE DECAY TEST OF THE HEATER, THE UNIT FAIL TEST. IT WAS REMOVED TO PERFORM ANOTHER TEST. THE LEAK SEEM FROM A CRACK IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN INNER & OUTER SECTION. THE FAIL UNIT WAS
- [SDR CA131120009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA131120009.md): Control Cable · frayed · Oct 17, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Elevator Control System
  > (CAN) DURING A DETAILED CABIN INSPECTION, THE FORWARD UP ELEVATOR CABLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE ALL STRANDS SEPARATED FROM THE CORE OF THE CABLE. CABLE DEFORMITY WAS LOCATED WHERE THE CABLE GOES OVER THE BELLCRANK. CABLE REPLACED.
- [SDR CA131120010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA131120010.md): Servo · malfunctioned · Oct 8, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Fuel Injector Nozzle
  > (CAN) RT ENGINE WOULD NOT PRODUCE MORE THAN 2000 RPM DURING RUN-UP. FUEL INJECTION SERVO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA130912002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130912002.md): Tailpipe · cracked · Sep 10, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Engine Collector/Tailpipe/Nozzle
  > (CAN) FOUND RT TOP TURBOCHARGER TAIL PIPE CRACKED.
- [SDR CA131021022](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA131021022.md): Motor · failed · Aug 22, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Trailing Edge Flap Control System
  > (CAN) FLAP MOTOR SHORTED INTERNALLY CAUSING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO TRIP. UPON REMOVAL FLAP MOTOR WAS FOUND TO HAVE GREASE ON THE EXTERIOR AND A BURNED ODOR WAS NOTED. FLAP MOTOR REPLACED.
- [SDR CA130712004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130712004.md): Bracket · cracked · Jul 11, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings
  > (CAN) LEFT MLG DOOR ACTUATOR HOLDING BRACKET CRACKED.
- [SDR CA130712005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130712005.md): Bracket · cracked · Jul 11, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Fuselage Main, Attach Fittings
  > (CAN) LEFT MLG DOOR ACTUATOR HOLDING BRACKET CRACKED.
- [SDR CA130530005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130530005.md): Bolt · failed · May 16, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Wing Spar
  > (CAN) BOLTS ON SPAR WEB SPLICE PIPER P/N 40624-00 INSPECTED. TWO LOWEST BOLTS ON SPLICE ASSEMBLY BROKE WHEN TIGHTENED. BOLTS REPLACED. (TC# 20130530005)
- [SDR CA130424001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130424001.md): Lifter · corroded · Apr 23, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
  > (CAN) FIVE LIFTERS FOUND PITTED AND 1 LOB OF THE CAM WORN.
- [SDR CA130419001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130419001.md): Exhaust Pipe · burned · Apr 17, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Engine Collector/Tailpipe/Nozzle
  > (CAN) DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, PROP BALANCING, THE AME NOTICED THAT THE UPPER EXHAUST TAIL PIPE ON THE RT ENGINE HAD A LARGE HOLE BURNED THRU. PIPE WAS REMOVED AND FOUND TO HAVE ERRODED FROM THE INSIDE AND HAD SEVERAL CRACKS. UPPER AND LOWER TAIL PIPE, PN
- [SDR CA130306010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130306010.md): Pump · malfunctioned · Mar 3, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Vacuum Distribution System
  > (CAN) LEFT VACUUM PUMP REPORTED INOPERATIVE BY PILOT. VACUMM PUMP REPLACED.
- [SDR CA130220011](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130220011.md): Trunnion · cracked · Feb 18, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Fuselage, Landing Gear Attach Fittings
  > (CAN) THE NOSE GEAR TRUNNION WAS CRACKED AT THE LIMIT STOPS FROM WHAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN AN OVER STEER PROBLEM EITHER BY GROUND EQUIPMENT OR BY USING DIFFERENTIAL ENGINE POWER TO STEER PUTTING STRAIN ON THE TRUNNION STOPS.
- [SDR CA130116013](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130116013.md): Bulkhead · cracked · Jan 2, 2013 · Piper PA31 · Rudder Control System
  > (CAN) CRACK FOUND ON PEDESTAL BULKHEAD BS 90.5. CRACK ON RUDDER PEDAL TORQUE TUBE ATTACH POINT. RUDDER TUBE MOVEMENT CAUSED RUDDER TENSION TO BE LESS AND RUDDER CABLES TO BE LOOSE. REPAIRED PEDESTAL BULKHEAD, PN: 43179-000.
- [SDR CA130104004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130104004.md): Rheostat · intermittent · Dec 31, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Cabin Temperature Control System
  > (CAN) AFTER INSTALLING A CABIN HEATER IN THE ACFT, WE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE OPERATION OF THE HEATER. WE INSTALLED A NEW LINEAR RHEOSTAT CONTROL, PN CD21399 WHICH CAME WITH THE HEATER. OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS WE HAVE HAD 3 FAILURES OF THE UNIT. IT APPEAR
- [SDR CA120815009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120815009.md): Magneto · leaking · Aug 4, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) MAGNETO FOUND LEAKING. MAGNETO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120815008](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120815008.md): Motor · loose · Jul 20, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Engine Starter
  > (CAN) DURING DETAILED INSPECTION OF THE ACFT THE STARTER MOTOR WAS FOUND TO BE LOOSE. STARTER REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120706002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120706002.md): Bulkhead · cracked · Jul 4, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Propeller Spinner Section
  > (CAN) DURING 100 HRS INSPECTION LT SPINNER BACK PLATE FOUND CRACKED.
- [SDR CA120514006](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120514006.md): Attach Fitting · cracked · May 14, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Landing Gear Actuator
  > (CAN) AIRCRAFT WAS IN FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE TO ADDRESS SL1088 THE 500 HR INSPECTION OF NLG LINK. LINK WAS REMOVED FROM ACFT, PAINT STRIPPED AND INSPECTED WITH A 10X POWER MAGNIFYING GLASS. A POSSIBLE CRACK WAS NOTICED, FURTHER INVESTIGATION CONFIRMED THE
- [SDR CA120511005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120511005.md): Mount · broken · May 10, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Exhaust Turbocharger
  > (CAN) TURBO MOUNT LT UPPER TUBE FWD OF TURBO ATTACHMENT FOUND BROKEN DURING REGULAR INSPECTION.
- [SDR CA120517002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120517002.md): Magneto · malfunctioned · Apr 29, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) PILOT REPORTED A 200 RPM DROP DURING MAG CHECK OF RT MAGNETO ON RT ENGINE. MAGNETO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120509010](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120509010.md): Wastegate Valve · leaking · Apr 17, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Water and Waste System
  > (CAN) WASTEGATE FOUND LEAKING. WASTEGATE REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120423020](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120423020.md): Starter · slipped · Apr 10, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Engine Starter
  > (CAN) LEFT ENGINE STARTER SLIPPING. STARTER REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120423015](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120423015.md): Fuel Control · malfunctioned · Mar 6, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating Engines
  > (CAN) PILOT REPORTED RT ENGINE ROUGH AT IDLE, RPM OSCILLATIONS FROM 800 TO 1200, MANIFOLD PRESSURE HIGHER THAN NORMAL BY 3-5". FUEL SERVO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120423018](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120423018.md): Magneto · failed · Feb 24, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) PILOT REPORTED RIGHT ENGINE RT MAGNETO UNSERVICEABLE. MAGNETO REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120209005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120209005.md): Distributor Blk · chafed · Jan 31, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK FOUND WITH BUSHING WORN, CAUSING CHAFING ON DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK SPARK PINS. NEW DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK, PN:10-391586 INSTALLED. NEW GEAR, PN:10-349237 INSTALLED. MAGNETO RETURNED TO SERVICE.
- [SDR CA120205001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120205001.md): Starter · failed · Jan 18, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Engine Starter
  > (CAN) LEFT ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. STARTER REPLACED.
- [SDR CA120105003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120105003.md): Starter · loose · Jan 5, 2012 · Piper PA31 · Engine Starter
  > (CAN) DURING A SCHEDULED INSPECTION, THE RT STARTER AFT CASE WAS FOUND LOOSE. THE CASE ATTACH BOLT LOCK TABS WERE STILL ENGAGED, BUT THE BOLTS WERE LOOSE. STARTER WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A SERVICEABLE SPARE.
- [SDR CA120209003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120209003.md): Points · failed · Dec 7, 2011 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) BREAKER POINT POPPED MAGNETO.
- [SDR CA111123014](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA111123014.md): Control Cable · damaged · Nov 23, 2011 · Piper PA31 · Propeller System
  > (CAN) UPON RIGGING PROP CONTROLS AFTER CABLE REPLACEMENT ON RT ENGINE, FOUND SUSPICIOUS LT PROP CONTROL ATTACHMENT. JOINT ASSEMBLY PN 469-153 WAS RUSTED, BUT MOST UNUSUAL WAS THAT A FIBRE LOCK NUT WAS USED AS SECURING DEVICE AND THAT THREADS WERE WELL BELOW F
- [SDR CA120205002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120205002.md): Starter · intermittent · Nov 23, 2011 · Piper PA31 · Engine Starter
  > (CAN) RIGHT HAND STARTER INTERMITTENT. REPLACED STARTER.
- [SDR CA111117011](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA111117011.md): Mount · cracked · Nov 4, 2011 · Piper PA31 · Exhaust Turbocharger
  > (CAN) DURING SCHEDULED INSPECTION OF RT ENGINE, THE LT UPPER TURBO MOUNT TUBE WAS FOUND CRACKED. TURBO MOUNT REPLACED WITH PN: LW15952. TSN OF REMOVED PART COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.
- [SDR CA120209002](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA120209002.md): Bushing · worn · Oct 13, 2011 · Piper PA31 · Magneto/Distributor
  > (CAN) DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK FOUND WITH BUSHING WORN, CAUSING CHAFING ON DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK SPARK PINS. NEW MAGNETO INSTALLED (SN: F09CA093) (TC# 20120209002)
- [SDR CA110926005](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110926005.md): Engine · failed · Sep 22, 2011 · Engine (Reciprocating)
  > (CAN) THE ENGINE SUDDENTLY STOP DURING ENGINE GROUND RUN AT HIGH POWER. AFTER INVESTIGATION FOUND THE ENGINE VERY STIFF TO TURN BY HAND. VISUAL INSPECTION OF ENGINE & OIL FILTER CARRIED OUT NO DEFECT FOUND. ENGINE WILL BE REMOVED AND SEND TO O/H SHOP FOR IN
- [SDR CA110826009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110826009.md): Tire · deflated · Aug 26, 2011 · Piper PA31 · Tire
  > (CAN) ON TAXI PILOT REPORTED HEARING A LOUD NOISE AND DIFICULTY TAXING. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND RT TIRE WAS FLAT. ACFT WAS TAKEN TO HANGAR AMO 60-99 AND TIRE WAS REMOVED. THE CAUSE OF THE FLAT TIRE WAS THE INBD RIM WAS SPLIT ALONG THE BEAD.
- [SDR CA110512004](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110512004.md): Pump · failed · Apr 9, 2011 · Piper PA31 · Pneumatic Distribution System
  > ACFT EXPERIENCED RT PNEUMATIC FAILURE DURING GROUND RUN. RT DRY AIR PUMP REPLACED.
- [SDR CA110216003](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110216003.md): Hose · ruptured · Feb 11, 2011 · Piper PA31 · Hydraulic System, Main
  > GEAR WOULD NOT LOCK DOWN WHEN SELECTED BY PILOT. IT HAD TO BE LOCKED MANUALLY THROUGH HAND PUMP. FOUND HYD SYS FLUID DEPLEATED FROM BURST LT MAIN GEAR UP LOCK HOSE. FOUND HYD SYS HOSES IN LANDING GEAR SYS APPEARED TO BE ORIGINAL, INSTALLED AT TIME OF ACFT MFG
- [SDR CA110113001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110113001.md): Housing · cracked · Dec 17, 2010 · Piper PA31 · Nose/Tail Landing Gear
  > DURING 100 HRS INSP, WE FOUND THE NLG HSG CRACK.
- [SDR CA110103011](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110103011.md): Alternator · warning light · Nov 14, 2010 · Piper PA31 · AC Generator-Alternator
  > RT ALTERNATOR INOP LIGHT ILLUMINATED. REPLACED ALTERNATOR.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tio-540-a2c/reports.md?page=2

## 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 = 'TIO540A2C'
ORDER BY difficulty_date DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-tio-540-a2c/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.