The latest IMS loss. A true classic failure

[Jake Raby]

This one had the oil weep symptom for sure.. But never enough to create a "drip".

Check every oil leak immediately. Assume the worst and hope for the best and ACT, don't be lazy.

[Rui725]

What was the oil change history on this car? Every 5000 miles or 6 months, or the ludicrous Porsche recommended 15,000 miles?

[Jake Raby]

I honestly have no idea on this one. All I know is that she'll now be changing it every 5K and using Flat Six Oil and nothing else..

[Jake Raby]

We are testing the system now and will be forcing an engine to fail soon to prove it's effectiveness.

[jlucas]

Jake, more details please

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

We ... will be forcing an engine to fail soon to prove it's effectiveness.

Man, to have such an interesting job ...

[Jake Raby]

Originally Posted by clickman

Man, to have such an interesting job ...

Its not a job. The first time I leave the house at 0430 and tell my Wife that I'll see her after "work" its time to close the doors. This is a life, 24-7/365 and I love it.. Have for two decades.

I can't divulge more details about what we have created or give any hints. Lets just say that direct experience with these engines has taught us a lot and its time to capitalize on it while helping people avoid calling us with broken stuff.

[tnoice]

Jake,
Do you keep track of the IMS bearings that you have replaced? With this information, do you know the amount of miles that have been placed on your bearings or the number of hours of track time they have been exposed to?

Also, how often do you suggest replacing the IMS bearing when using a LN bearing, to be on the safe side?

Thanks.

[Jake Raby]

Originally Posted by tnoice

Jake,
Do you keep track of the IMS bearings that you have replaced? With this information, do you know the amount of miles that have been placed on your bearings or the number of hours of track time they have been exposed to?

Also, how often do you suggest replacing the IMS bearing when using a LN bearing, to be on the safe side?

Thanks.

Yes, we keep EVERY SINGLE bearing.. We serialize each, log the owners name and mileage and other data about the engine. We have done this since day one.

The vibration sensor is something that I considered as well. As a Helicopter Crew Chief I used to test aircraft after work was done and the units of measurement was "IPS" or "iterations per second".. This would be one way of noting a trend in a M9 engine, however there are other things that can lead to vibration, not just the IMS.. Even a tank of bad gas can increase vibration.

Anything is better than nothing, but what we are doing is definitely going to give the most early warning possible.