Document Type: Book (Informational) Purpose: Informational. Authority: Author Expertise. Series: Light Plane Maintenance Library

Scope: General knowledge book written for General Aviation pilots, owners and mechanics. Written by the Editors of Light Airplane Maintenance magazine.

From the dust jackt: "The Top End of your engine is where most of the action is. In that explosive environment, neglect and faulty maintenance can take a terrible toll ranging from engine failure, with its dangers to life and limb, to draining costs and flying time lost. The wise owner/pilot knows the top end of his powerplant and keeps it healthy.

This book is designed to enable you to make the right decisions to keep your engine both reliable and affordable. It can also guide you in mastering maintenance procedures regarding the top end—including the ignition system—that the FARs allow owners to perform and in knowing how to recognize good and bad work by professional mechanics.

Whether you're a neophyte or experienced at such work, the benefits of advice and experience provided in these pages by the editors of Light Plane Maintenance Magazine will be greater efficiency, less expense and the confidence that comes with knowing you're on top of the work that's done, be it by your mechanic or by you. You'll know the right questions to ask and which answers make sense. You will enjoy better engine performance, greater reliability, reduced downtime and more efficient powerplant management."

Contents (from the Table of Contents): "Part I: CYLINDERS Chapter 1: The Top Overhaul Chapter 2: Compression, Choke, and Heads Chapter 3: Cylinder Removal and Problem Diagnosis

Part II: VALVES Chapter 4: Valves and Guides Chapter 5: Hydraulic Valve Lifters

Part III: IGNITION Chapter 6: Spark Plug Inspection Chapter 7: Servicing Spark Plugs Chapter 8: Magnetos

APPENDICES Appendix A: Engine Troubleshooting Guide Appendix B: Manifold Pressure Gage Troubleshooting Appendix C: Troubleshooting by Exhaust Gas Temperature Analysis"