Resurrecting my old thread. Briefly, because dinner is about to be served and I don't like sleeping in dog houses...
AC is wonderful. Sure did enjoy having it on an outing to Death Valley last April. But, on the way home to the Sacramento Valley, getting close to home, I started hearing a slight knock. I pretended it wasn't there, but eventually I had to admit to myself that it was. First thought was rod knock, but no loss of oil pressure. Got home, parked it in my driveway, feeling deflated.
Next morning, started it up with the intent of driving to my hangar at the local airport, which is where my Bronco lives. No question, knock knock. More cautious types would have had it towed, but I drove it anyway. Quieted down on the way there, but didn't go away.
I called Blueprint Engines warranty department, got someone right away, who started a case and referred me to one of their technicians. He called a bit later, had me cut open the oil filter. Something I do routinely on the aircraft I maintain, so I happened to have a cutter. Hm. Shiny non-ferrous particles.
I sent photos to the tech, who replied quickly that it needed to come back to them. Ugh. But at least I was feeling like I might get help.
I pulled the engine, scrounged a pallet and readied it, then advised Blueprint that it was ready to go. 4 hours later(!) a FedEx truck showed up to haul it off.
I got a call a week or so after they received it that the problem was a scored piston. Not sure how that happened. They advised me that they were going to completely rebuild it and that it would take a couple of months. They are apparently pretty busy.
about 2-1/2 weeks ago I got an email that it was on its way, and a few days later it landed on my (hangar) doorstep. Got it running again last Friday and it purrs. Interestingly it made a little more power and torque on their dyno this time than last time. What ever. I'm posting this because having spent time in the manufacturing world in my career, I know that stuff happens occasionally, despite best efforts. It's how that is handled that sets companies apart. I spent years working for a manufacturer of systems for servicing offshore oil production facilities. Very harsh environment. We set ourselves apart with (warranty) service after the sale, and eventually dominated the industry. Of course our stuff was good, but as a mechanic friend of mine puts it, if it's made by a human it can break.
I'd recommend Blueprint to anyone.
