FOR ALL AIRFRAME MANUFACTURERS USING. TPE331" TURBOPROP. OWNER) OPERATORS, DISTRIBUTORS, SALES AND. SERVICE INFoRMaTiON LeTteR TPE 331 SERVIgE casanuzavig Ao rveuo SNL ee, SIL: P331-82 APPLICABLE: [X] MAINTENANCE X] FLIGHT REV: 1 & ENGINEERING OPERATIONS DATE: May 25/90 PAGE: 1 of 2 SUBJECT: HIGH ROTATIONAL RESISTANCE WHEN PROPELLER IS HAND ROTATED DISCUSSION: ‘A higher than normal "drag" or “rotational resistance" may be encountered with new production, newly overhauled engines, or engines that have been modified to the turbine bearing hydraulic rear mount configuration, as during an interim hot end inspection. The condition wiT1 be evident when thé propel er 1s rotated by and. Experience has indicated this drag is most frequently associated with incorpora tion of the turbine bearing hydraulic rear mount. R However, do not confuse an engine “drag” condition with a “dragging” starter or R hydraulic pump. If in doubt, remove these aircraft furnished accessories. The interstage turbine seals do not break in as rapidly in engines having the hydraulic rear mount as in engines incorporating the earlier configuration mechanical resilient mount, This is due to a smoother acceleration through the critical speed range. The high drag will be encountered in static and low RPM conditions such as when the propeller is hand rotated, and the engine may emit a "squeaking" noise. This occurs because the main rotating group is contacting the interstage seals at Tow RPM, R A "squeak" or "squeal" may also be caused by the carbon bushings in the fuel IR pump running dry against the pump gears. When sufficient RPM is reached, increasing oi] pressure will provide the hydrau- lic oi] film necessary to center the main rotating group and the drag condition then disappears. The foregoing condition as outlined is normal but must not be confused with in- ternal engine distress due to other causes. The following recommendations are an elaboration of the “trouble shooting" procedures in the Engine Maintenance Manual. \. Garrett General Aviation Services Division - P.O. BOX 29003 « Phoenix, Arizona 85038STL: P331-82 May 25/90 Page 2 RECOMMENDATIONS : In order to differentiate between a normal and abnormal drag condition, the fol- lowing visual inspections should be accomplished whenever abnormal drag is suspected, 1, Inspect first stage compressor for evidence of damage or contact with the shroud. 2. Inspect third stage turbine wheel for foreign object damage, overheat, and rubbing. 3. Inspect turbine rear support for broken and cracked struts. 4. Inspect for evidence of metal spray in the tail pipe area and on the foreward face of the third stage turbine wheel blades, This condition would appear as minute metal particles or specks resem- bling aluminum or titanium - and could indicate a compressor wheel rub that may not be visible from the front of the engine. 5. Inspect the engine of] filter for excessive metal. If questionable, send the filter to a Garrett authorized SOAP laboratory for analysis. Providing the foregoing checks are normal and all the engine operational modes and parameters are normal continue to operate the engine. The drag condition R should subside within the first 100 hours of engine operation a R lation of new seals, or incorporation of the hydraulic rear mount configuration,