I am shortly to buy a 172H and would like to hear from owners of their
experiences and any problems.

Hi Gordon

I have owned my 172H since January and I love it.
there are a couple of things that I think you should be aware of though.

The Continental 0300D carburettor likes ice. It isn't a problem - it just
means that you have to be more aware, and use carb heat more often. In
fact, although everyone appears to agree that the 0300D carb is more prone
to icing than the Lycoming installed after 1967, if you read the stats on
accidents due to carb ice you will find that the Lycoming has more than
the Continental. Continental pilots are more conscious of carb icing, and
use carb heat to check for icing more often.

The 0300D does not like 100ll - it was designed to run on 87. To avoid
lead problems and build ups on the valve seats the engine should be leaned
aggressively while on the ground and leaned correctly all of the time that
it is in the air. They like to keep some power on on approach, to avoid
shock cooling. I also run the engine aggressively leaned for one minute
prior to shut down.

Also (stand by for controversy I add Avblend to the oil. They claim
that it helps prevent sticking valves. I cannot say that it does or it
doesn't. What I can say is that 2 months after buying the plane we had a
stuck valve - since then we have used Avblend and had no problems. Yes,
it may be a placebo - but at $25.00 per oil change it is one that I am
prepared to buy.

Hope this helps

--
Tony Roberts )
PP-ASEL
VFR-OTT - Night
Cessna 172H