Continental Crankshaft AD Published

Tom,
I haven't read the entire AD, as my engine is not affected, but my question is: does it only apply to engines assembled by Continental new & reman) or does it apply to all Continental engines including RAM, Victor, and other engine specialty shops that build the engines themselves using Continental parts? I apologize if the answer is in the AD, but it's really a pretty boring read.

The AD applies to any crankshaft assemblies produced at Continental during the indicated timeframe (June 1, 2021 through February 7, 2023). This includes factory new and factory rebuilt ("remain") engines, and any engine repair or overhaul by a third party (RAM, Victor, your local A&P, etc.) that uses a new crankshaft assembly produced by Continental during that time.

If your shop or overhauler installed a replacement crankshaft assembly during that time, check your engine logs or contact that facility to obtain the crankshaft assembly serial number, then check that serial number against the list of affected assemblies in MSB23-01A.

I just got the AD in my email, and I don't see "produced at Continental" or the dates. The way my notice reads I would think it applies to every single engine ever made by Continental or any overhaul shop anywhere. I hope that's not the case!

I see that the MSB is a limited range of engines and cranks. That would make more sense as it was identified as an issue BY Continental for assemblies THEY put together in that range of dates.

Under par (g) of the AD, applicability reference is made to crankshaft serial numbers as listed in Continental MSB23-01A. Also, the MSB lists engines that left the factory with certain serial number crankshafts. If your engine is not affected by serial number, check the side (edge) of the crankshaft flange, the serial number is etched in, and that can be compared with the crankshaft listing. Once confirmed not-applicable, a log entry should be made by your A&P.

Mike
ABS Tech Advisor

Please keep in mind that if you recently had a crankshaft replaced, it may have come from continental. If Joe's Aircraft performed a field OH or crankshaft replacement in the last couple of years, it is best to follow the serial number lineage.

That’s the way I read it, too. The email from FAAsafety.Gov says “ This AD and final rule is effective February 23, 2023 and affects any crankshaft assembly on a Continental Engine.” “Any” is italicized, the FAA’s emphasis, not mine.

Mr. Kephart,

Please read the response I gave to Mr. Zimmerman on this question.

Mike
ABS Tech Advisor

Thanks for clearing that up! Hard to read bureaucrateze.

Unfortunately, that comes with my job description...