August 2012 FAA Maintenance Alerts

Cessna:  208B; Collapsed Engine Vent Line; ATA 7261

A general aviation submission states, "In compliance with a fleet campaign directive, and during an engine inspection, a mechanic checking the vent line of the overboard breather found the rubber section swollen internally. Left unchecked, an obstruction would cause the Pratt & Whitney PT6-114 engine of this (aircraft) to start consuming large amounts of engine oil — compromising the engine bearing seals and resulting in expensive engine repairs. The fleet campaign directive mentioned above was generated by this Caravan operator to address the condition of these aging hose sections. Operators of older Caravans would be wise to check their aircraft for similar defects."

Part Total Time:  (unknown)

Piper:  PA34-200; Cracked Nose Gear Trunnion; ATA 3222

A repair station mechanic states, "(During) an annual inspection, (I) found the right pivot point of the nose gear trunnion cracked (at the point ...) where the trunnion is welded to the pivot bolt housing."  (Trunnion P/N: 9572300. This part is referenced at least four times in the SDRS database.)

Part Total Time:  4,547.0 hours

Continental:  IO55N; Corroded Fuel Injector Nozzles/Lines; ATA 7310

A mechanic writes, "(I am ...) finding the upper deck line rusting internally on Tornado Alley turbo equipped aircraft.  This rust consists of both large and small particles that is easily dislodged. Aircraft that have this condition exhibit rust stains on and around the fuel injectors — (observed) when the injectors are removed for cleaning. This rust could accumulate and possibly clog the fuel injector air passages over time. I have noticed this (defect) on two different aircraft equipped with the STC (Supplemental Type Certificates) SA10588SC and SE10589SC."

Part Total Time:  1,002.0 hours