Q: Why change now? We've done it this way for years...

This is probably the most common reaction I have gotten when I've showed the NozzleFlush to experienced mechanics. "We soak the nozzles in Hoppe's, use an ultrasonic cleaner, and blow them out with a blow gun. That's worked for us."

I understand that's the way we've always done it. But I have also talked to lot of people who just got their airplane fresh out of annual inspection and almost immediately had a cylinder with a high or low temperature. So although we have always done it this way - is it always working? I have heard from a lot of people that perhaps it's not.

Q: Is this actually in keeping with manufacturer's recommendations? Am I risking issues with Continental or Lycoming?

The short answer to this question is - yes, this is still within the manufacturer's recommendations.

Continental service bulletin SID05-7 says the following:

Clean each nozzle by soaking in lacquer thinner, MEK or acetone for several hours. Wipe clean the exterior of the nozzle with a lint-free cloth. Dry the nozzle interior with dry compressed air. Visually inspect the nozzle jet orifice to verify that it is open with no obstructions

So firstly - the advice given by many mechanics to soak the nozzles in Hoppe's #9, or to use an ultrasonic cleaner (both of which are just fine) are not strictly in compliance with SID05-7. It's just the way we have always done it.

Secondly - the SB says to dry the nozzle with compressed air. The NozzleFlush does exactly that. But it does it more efficiently by actually helping to blow out any debris that might be entrapped in the nozzle.