Common Aircraft Engine Problems: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

As a pilot or aircraft owner, you rely on your aircraft engine to function reliably and efficiently. However, even with regular maintenance and inspections, aircraft engines can experience problems that can affect their performance, safety, and lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common aircraft engine problems, including their causes, symptoms, and solutions.

1. Engine Overheating
Engine overheating is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including low coolant levels, clogged cooling system components, malfunctioning thermostats, and more. Symptoms of engine overheating include increased engine temperature, warning lights or alarms, reduced engine performance, and more.

Solution: If you suspect your engine is overheating, the first step is to reduce power and altitude to reduce the engine’s workload. Next, check the coolant level and inspect the cooling system components for clogs or damage. Replace any faulty components or perform repairs as needed.

2. Oil Leaks
Oil leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, including worn seals, damaged gaskets, cracked engine components, and more. Symptoms of oil leaks include visible oil stains on the engine or surrounding components, low oil pressure, increased oil consumption, and more.

Solution: If you detect an oil leak, it’s important to locate the source and repair it as soon as possible. This may involve replacing worn seals, gaskets, or other components, or performing repairs to cracked engine components.