Service difficulty report · Retainer · Piper PA34200T

Difficulty date
July 24, 2002
Submitted
August 7, 2002
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N9712C
Make and model
Piper PA34200T
Aircraft serial
347870211
Engine
Cont TSIO360EB
Part
Retainer
Part number
631996
Condition
Cracked
Location
Rocker Shaft
Part time
178 hours
Stage of operation
IN
How discovered
V
Nature of condition
O
Precautionary procedure
K

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

DURING AN ANNUAL INSPECTION, ONE ROCKER BOX COVER ON THE LEFT ENGINE WAS REMOVED IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING PUSHROD TUBE SEALS. DISCOVERED ONE ROCKER SHAFT RETAINER CRACKED INTO TWO PIECES. DECIDED TO INSPECT REMAINDER OF CYLINDERS AND FOUND 19 OF 24 ROCKER SHAFT RETAINERS EITHER COMPLETELY CRACKED IN HALF OR ALMOST CRACKED IN HALF. ELECTED TO REPLACE ASS RETAINERS AT THIS TIME. THIS IS AN AREA THAT IS NOT NORMALLY ACCESSED DURING A NORMAL ANNUAL. SUSPECT THAT THE CAUSE MAY HAVE BEEN OVER-TORQUE ON THE NUTS HOLDING THE RETAINERS.

More about the Piper PA-34-200T