engine wash
 

Working with helicopters in the military, we routinely do engine washes. This is done every postflight, and after every "boat flight". The reason we do it after every boat flight is because of what we call "salty hover". To let you know, I am a flight mech in the coast guard on the dolphin aircraft. The reason for washing the engines is for salt ingestion. Now to the point. Obviously we dont hover our F-100's hover the salt water and worry about salt ingestion. If anyone does, can I see the video?!?!?! Does anyone out there wash your turbines after so many flights? The way we wash our engines is just to spool them up, fuel off, with water running through them for 20 seconds, wait 5 minutes, then run engines for 5 minutes to dry them. EVery so often when one of our engines seems to lack power, we will wash them with plain old general purpose cleaner. Has this question ever been brought up before? Comments questions and concernsj are greatly appreciated.

engine wash
 

At FJ i was talkin to Jim Weigel (hope i spelt it right) who is the owner of AMT USA and during the conversation we brought up byproducts from the combustion of turbine oil. It can accumulate on combustion chamber/turbine wheel and cause hot/out of balance situation. I remember him saying you could run the turbine at low power and mix a solution of some type of grease cutting agent (dawn or joy dishwashing detergent) and water to keep the turbine internals clean. Other coments are very welcome.....just a kid shooting off his mouth here. Happy landings.

P.S. Jim's Super Hornet was absolutely amazing at FJ. The run-up was aww inspiring, can't wait untill it flies. What a craftsman.

engine wash
 

there is a solution meant specifically for washing turbines,as far as washing them at low power,I dont know how you would do that.Putting the solution would cause a flame out.We usually wash ours by just motoring the engine with no fuel flow or ignitors lit.

engine wash
 

Maybe I can use that 5 gallon can of propwash I've got left since switching to jets. Let me see, I think it was sitting next to that can of elbow grease....

engine wash
 

I got a bucket of steam sitting on the shelf up there.

engine wash
 

Hah, excellent Tony, excellent!!! ;)

Flight line
 

Tony,
That 5 gallons of propwash is right next to the yard of flightline I sent you........


Harley Condra
BVM REP
RAM REP
Buy American!!!!!!

engine wash
 

You guys sure are funny..........but........don't quit your day jobs.

engine wash
 

Job? Who's gotta job?
I thought we were all men of leisure.

engine wash
 

Thanks Harley, it was right there as you said. And I found my metric crescent wrench when I was searching. It was next to my left handed hammer.

engine wash
 

Does anybody have any decent sprocket holes they can sell me?

engine wash
 

I'll make you a great deal on some. Even throw in a box of 1/4" tack welds.

engine wash
 

Anyone have any compressor cream ?



Jackjet

engine wash
 

Back to the original question.
I have some commercial turbine wash but have not used it yet. One of the A&P mechanics gave me a gallon to try out. As soon as I get some more flights with my 500, I'll give it a try.
The procedure is to spray some of the stuff in the compressor section, let it sit for an hour, and then run the engine. The full scale guys love it.
It's supposed to be environmentally safe enough to drink, not that I'd recommend that.
And before anyone asks, I don't know what it's called?
Chris

engine wash
 

Sorry if I hijacked the thread, I couldn't help myself. I would be interested in any results from this treatment.

engine wash
 

I'll let you know of my results. I'll take a before and after picture of the compressor section, and note the thrust changes if any.
I'll probably try the wash around june or july when the density altitude is high here (Binghamton NY). That's when I need all the thrust I can get.
Chris