The O-300 in my 172B is up to 1650 hours (150 to major). But I've
had various problems that in recent years have resulted in annuals
costing $5000 or more - and now my oil consumption is creeping up.
I'm thinking that it might be time to bite the bullet rather than
be (figuratively) nickeled and dimed to death over the next 3 years.

The way I see it there are several options:

1. Wait until the time expires (1800 hours).
2. Get the engine overhauled as is.
3. Upgrade to a different engine (Lycoming O-320 or O-360).

I've talked to someone who's done the O-320 upgrade, and he said
that as nice as it is, the hassle and expense was such that if he
had it to do over again he wouldn't.

After having cylinders refurbished, mags rebuilt, etc. over the
past few years, I'm afraid of what what else might pop up. I had
to replace the cam some time back, and the shop that did it did a
terrible job of putting everything back together, and I've been
chasing oil leaks ever since.

I'm also tired of hearing mechanics grumble about Continental
engines. This doesn't inspire confidence in their work. There
must be someone out there who knows how to work on them.

Does anyone have any hints, tips, horror stories, etc.? I'm based
at Pitt Meadows, B.C. (CYPK), near Vancouver.

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