The Stinson 108 Voyager
         FAA Warning to Franklin Engine users
           By Larry Westin - April 12, 1996

The Federal Aviation Administration posted the warning below in
AC 43-16 during March 1993.  The IA who inspects my Stinson
received his copy on March 29, 1993, and immediately sent me a
copy.  What follows is directly from the FAA AC 43-16.

                       FRANKLIN
 
       UNAPPROVED FRANKLIN ENGINE REPAIR FACILITY

The following article was submitted by the FAA's National
Investigation Team, Suspected Unapproved Parts (AFS-611-B)
located Washington, D.C.

A recent discovery disclosed that the Franklin Engine Club, of
Underwood, Indiana, (which has NO FAA certification to perform
aircraft engine maintenance) overhauled a Franklin engine and
approved it for return to service.  The subject engine contained
improperly installed connecting rod caps, hardware store and
automotive variety hardware, tractor and truck engine main and
rod bearings, a misaligned and loose propeller shaft, missing
crankcase through bolt seals, improper valve spring tension,
improperly installed cylinder liners and valve guides, and an oil
gallery plug was left out.  The approval for return to service
for this engine was signed with a fictitious mechanic name and
number.

To date, five FAA violations against the group have failed to
curtail their activity.  The organization continues to advertise
in aviation trade magazines and continues to conduct hazardous
aircraft engine maintenance.

It is recommended that anyone who has a Franklin engine which may
have undergone maintenance by this organization (or individuals
associated with this organization) contact their local FAA Flight
Standards District Office or FAA Manufacturing Inspection
District Office for assistance in determining the airworthiness
of their engine.