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Question: Cylinder Repair/Overhaul vs. New Cylinders
As a rookie homebuilder I am confronted with the question of whether to have
the cylinders rebuilt on my O-320 or save my pennies and spring for new ECI/Superior or Lycoming assemblies. On one hand new cylinders would give the comfort that new posesses. On the other hand the number of hours I would be paying for with new cylinders seems to be much greater than the number of hours I would actually fly my homebuilt. I am looking for opinions from the experienced here. If I am expecting to fly 500-600 hours on my homebuilt (is that a fair estimate?) does the purchase of new cylinders justify the cost? Also for those of you who have had cylinders overhauled, what are your experiences and what can I expect from the "typical" overhauler. The four cylinders I have are off a low compression 150hp E2D. The cylinders are of various age. One is only 400 hours old the other three all have between 1000 and 2000 hours on them. I am wide open to your learned opinions on this subject. Thanks in advance. Ebby Hatz Classic my work in progress since 2001. |
#2
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Question: Cylinder Repair/Overhaul vs. New Cylinders
Ebby: For a certified aircraft you'd probably get your money back on
resale. In your case I'd let the certified overhaul shop spec out the cylinders to see how much wear has happened. They should steer you in the right direction. My 1963 0200A engine had less than 700 hrs TT but did an overhaul with new intake valves, guides and rings. Compression was a little low in 2 cylinders and was "talked into it" by my mechanic. Oil consumption was up to 1 qt every 4 hrs so paid around $1,000 for the whole job. I'm not sure what new cylinders cost but if less than $2500 total for the job maybe I would have gone that route. My oil consumption after 30 hrs is still 1 qt every 4-5 hrs and hope it will get better with more hrs. I hear people say 6-8 hrs per qt on new cyclinders. You might consider just doing the high time cylinders only if you want to save some money. Larry |
#3
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Question: Cylinder Repair/Overhaul vs. New Cylinders
Larry,
That's exactly the kind of anecdote I need to figure out what is "best". I have already had the lower end completely overhauled by AEA. Very satisfied and there was no question in my mind about having the overhaul done. But with cylinders I hear they can be rebuilt. I guess what I am wondering is the adds for $295 for an overhaul with the caviat about costs for additional parts. So I can expect to pay considerable more than the $295 as I would be getting new exhaust valves. I figure new cylinders for my engine would be $800-1200 each if the rebuild is pushing that amount then new sounds like the way to go but if typical rebuilts run $400-600 then rebuilts would be the way to go. I guess the best way to find out is to send a cylinder to a shop and get an estimate. Thanks for your input. Others? -- John "Ebby" Ebensperger Hatz Classic s/n37 Camden, NY |
#4
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Question: Cylinder Repair/Overhaul vs. New Cylinders
"Ebby" wrote in message ... Larry, That's exactly the kind of anecdote I need to figure out what is "best". I have already had the lower end completely overhauled by AEA. Very satisfied and there was no question in my mind about having the overhaul done. But with cylinders I hear they can be rebuilt. I guess what I am wondering is the adds for $295 for an overhaul with the caviat about costs for additional parts. So I can expect to pay considerable more than the $295 as I would be getting new exhaust valves. I figure new cylinders for my engine would be $800-1200 each if the rebuild is pushing that amount then new sounds like the way to go but if typical rebuilts run $400-600 then rebuilts would be the way to go. I guess the best way to find out is to send a cylinder to a shop and get an estimate. Thanks for your input. Others? -- John "Ebby" Ebensperger Hatz Classic s/n37 Camden, NY I rebuilt 4 first run cylinders for the O-320 in my RV-6. I don't remember the exact figures, but at the end of the day, I was surprised at how little money I saved vs trading in the old cylinders and buying brand new ones. KB |
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Question: Cylinder Repair/Overhaul vs. New Cylinders
The shops in my area have taken to throwing away old cylinders on some
engines as they don't even have a core value to the rebuild shops we use. That probably says more about the economics of rebuild vs. buying new than anything I've heard. |
#6
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Question: Cylinder Repair/Overhaul vs. New Cylinders
I spoke with my A&P friend and he indicated that new was not going to be
that much more money than rebuilt. Pretty sure I know which road to take at this point unless there is a much better argument for rebuilds. I'll be saving my nickels as it seems money ends up a wash and new is new. Thanks. |
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