salty

Except that, as it turns out, the Millenniums don't include piston pins, so it's almost a wash.

So, I've decided to put all new cylinders on my O-360 for it's overhaul. The old ones are ok, but the cost difference between overhaul and all new is close enough I'd rather reset them all now during overhaul. Cost difference is roughly $800 cheaper for the millenniums (about $200 per cylinder).

I will be overhauling the mags or doing something with them, I'm just not sure how yet.

It wasn't getting any worse since I bought a year and a half ago. I was getting a little out of the breather after a flight, nothing that set off an alarm. Exhaust has always blown more than it should probably in retrospect.

Yeah, I put 140 hours on it since the last annual. That damage is probably even older than that.

compressions were all > 70 at last years annual. I regret not having tested compression before I pulled the engine. Would have been nice to know if it would have detected the broken rings.

Next steps are to send out the crank and case and see how they are. I will also be sending out the carb and oil cooler. Haven't decided on mags yet. As I said, I'll probably buy new cylinders unless costs go too high on other things.

One thing is for sure, I have zero regrets about pulling the engine. I'm a little spooked out about what I was flying behind.

rods and all crank bearings look good to the naked eye.

Here's the bulk of the bad news. Piston #4 is *insert horrible description of your choice here*. My mechanic is guessing maybe somebody put chrome rings in a chrome cylinder. Intake follower for cylinders 1 and 2 share the lobe in the second picture that is badly worn, the other followers and lobes were in good shape, but this one leaves much to be desired. Most everything else is in pretty good shape considering the age.

The engine looks to be in pretty good shape overall. Interestingly, the top end has been overhauled, but it has some pretty major issues. 3 of the 4 cylinders have broken rings, in one case it's a real mess. The valves don't look to be bad. I haven't removed the rocker covers yet to see how it looks, I will likely buy new cylinders now that I see the situation.

St Augustine

Wasnt planning on it. I might pull it and repaint it.

But the statement was made with overhaul as context.

It has had new cylinders, but information about them s scant at best. Brief log entries with little info.

As I said, this has been a difficult decision I've gone back and forth on....

Actually, I believe that the faa has something to say about that now.

Perhaps, but if you hit a curb with the prop, I bet you wouldn't run it to 4000 hours.

With a gear up prop strike? I doubt it.

So, I've changed my mind about overhauling at least 6 times in as many months. Here were my points of debate: the engine runs great, I've never had so much as a hiccup since I've owned it, and I've put 140 hours on it this year. Oil analysis has shown no cause for alarm oil pressure is good Its at 2650 hours since major overhaul It's NEVER had a bottom end overhaul, it's been together since 1965 It had a prop strike (gear up landing) over 1,000 hours and 30 years ago But I decided to do it, and there's no going back now. I gotta say, as I was warming up the oil to drain it for the last time, it was running so smooth, I really questioned my sanity for what I was about to do. My IA lives across the street and we're doing a lot of the work ourselves, but we'll be sending some things out. Wish me luck, and any advice, especially on sourcing good parts is welcome.

60 mph on departure? yeah, that sounds pretty bad.The yoke goes in even with up trim set.....

whoosh. The point you missed is that if I don't even know what tools I need let alone have them I can't hardly learn how to use them by practicing. I guess I could just randomly buy cool looking tools until I manage to make a set that works.

The first solo is a lot harder if you don't have an airplane, or even know you need an airplane.....

I'll pay 40

lol just kidding. My neighbor has already agreed to help me out, or I'd be game.