What has been your experience in finding parts and having maintenance done
on the now long-out-of-production O-300??

Hi Gordon

When we had our valve problem we had a new valve installed in one day.
Other than that I have only had routine maintenance to the engine and
haven't had any problems.
Instruments are another matter - So far I have had to install a new tach,
and a new turn & bank. Now the attitude indicator is not levelling until I
develop full RPM. I also installed a graphic engine monitor from
International Electronics. I love it - it gives a continuous readout of
CHT and EGT for all 6 cylinders, + carb temp, and there is still room to
add 3 more functions. Fuel flow will be next.

The particular machine I am soon to take on has 4300 total with 480 left to
run to TBO, new prop. She is VFR only and I will keep her that way to
contain costs - doesn't even have a vac pump - two zero maintenance venturis
instead!

No vac pump would be good.
Mine is IFR (I'm not . One thing that I did do, after a scary aborted
landing on a short mountainous strip at 38C was to have my prop repitched
from 73 to 71. It cost me C$180 and gave me shorter takeoff and better
climb in return for a cost of 2 knots airspeed. For me that was a good
trade.

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