Service Bulletin No. 554

DATE: September 30, 2002

MODELS AFFECTED

All engines listed in Table 1. All O, IO, (L)TIO or AEIO-540 engines that have had a crankshaft bolt replaced during maintenance or overhaul between November 27, 1996 and November 10, 1998.

TIME OF COMPLIANCE

Within the next ten (10) hours of operation or seven (7) days, whichever occurs first.

Lycoming has determined that a metallurgical condition has caused crankshaft gear retaining bolts to fail in service. The crankshaft gear drives both magnetos and the camshaft. Failure of the retaining bolt results in total loss of power without prior warning.