New engine

[Aron Peterson]

I am in need of a new engine. I am thinking of a factory reman or new. But who to put it on is the real problem. I would appreciate any feedback on this subject. Thank you

[triple8s]

I have a buddy who's turbo arrow went tits up he sent his TCM TSIO 360 to Zephyr Hills in Florida. He doesn't have it back yet so can't say yet how they did. I had a Poplar Grove rebuild and it was a very good engine but it was a Lyc not TCM.

[quik flite]

You should find a Mooney Service Center in your area and have them do it , it may not be rocket science but there are a lot of little things to do properly the first time , it may save you more than just money .Did you take some pictures when you removed it? That would help.

[Aron Peterson]

Really good idea to take pics. I would like to hear about Poplar Grove when he gets it back. I do want it done right. Would like to have this machine for a while. I don't mind spending the money. My family and my butt will be at stake.

Aron

[Aron Peterson]

Anybody hear how Don Maxwell does?

[quik flite]

I always used Webers a Mooney Service Center  at KLNS in PA  with excellent results , but have heard great things about Maxwell and he is always helpful and knowledgeable and takes time to answer questions on Mooneylist.

[quik flite]

That is the Mapalist ,not Mooneylist , that Maxwell is on frequently. You can sign up and get emails of the questions daily.  Or give him a call.

[MooneyMitch]

Don Maxwell is top notch!  Don uses Robert at Mena Aircraft engines...............also a top notch and highly rated engine builder. 

[Aron Peterson]

Thank you all for your replies.

Aron

[jlunseth]

Willmar has had my engine on and off a couple of times and done a nice job.  No complaints.

[aaronk25]

Willmar has had my engine on and off a couple of times and done a nice job. No complaints.

How long ago was it that you worked with Willmar, my experience has been terrible but that is just in the past 2 years ever since Brian Negan bought it from Bruce Jagger. Bruce ran a top notch shop and the jokers that run it now can't even time a mag to spec or fill logs out or complete logs or actually accurately complete a log book entry (prop governor logged as overhauled, never serviced) alternator about fell off as nut was laying in cowl, severed ILS cable routed it though controls, didn't hook up tail light.

Just flat terrible experience. Go anywhere but Willmar, except to see paul at weep no more he is great!

[Nemesis]

The LB engine in my K was done by Poplar Grove by the previous owners.

It has over 1400 hours on it and still going strong.

The logs do not show any engine work after it was installed except timing and oil changes - no cylinders ever removed.

My lowest compression at last annual was 65 but that does not bother me.

I probably won't mess with that cylinder until in the lower 50s unless there is some over riding reason to do so like a bad borescope photo or rising oil consumption.

If I remember right, low compression by TCM specs is 45 or so.

It uses only between 0 and 1/2 quart for 25 hours.

Seriously, I never add oil between changes.

I will likely send the same engine back to them when the time comes.

 

Dave

[Aron Peterson]

Thank you,

 

Aron

[KSMooniac]

Poplar Grove has an outstanding reputation from everything I've read.  Maxwell would be a great choice as well, but not close to you.  R&R'ing the engine isn't terribly challenging IMO, or at least removing it!    I just took mine off and it was straightforward...I took pics and labeled some wires.  There isn't a lot to it.

[jetdriven]

It took me 8 days to install it working mostly by myself (it takes two to line up the engine mounts). I also replaced all the hoses with the integral fire sleeve type which requires all new Adel clamps due to the different OD of the hoses.

[KSMooniac]

Byron, where did you get your hoses?  I'm debating that right now...mine were replaced shortly before i bought it and have life left, but I'm usually susceptible to "while you're in there..."

[jetdriven]

Precision hose technology in Tulsa. I got the brown 124J hoses

[triple8s]

I can't emphasize the importance of replacing hoses atleast every five years. At the first annual my mechanic said mine looked old and felt hard and should be replaced, I thought awwww they'll last a bit longer but didn't say it and went with what I was told. Now today six years later I have seen three instances where folks have had oil hoses fail and it's an expensive proposition that involves a non simulated engine failure. Replace the hoses it is cheap insurance, they will break!

[jetdriven]

Triple8s were they Teflon hoses? I haven't heard of a failure of those. The Mooney SMM says rubber hoses get replaced on a 12 year cycle but for Teflon it says "on condition". The Teflon hoses even take a permanent set as described in AC43.13 but if you don't kink them while disturbing them that they are still serviceable.

[triple8s]

One failure was a Teflon hose the others were not. The Teflon hoses went to a waste gate controller and dumped all but 2 qts on a TSIO 520. Won't be cheap I bet. I may get pics this weekend, I have been hauling a plump aircraft mechanic to the stricken bird.

[LANCECASPER]

On 1/25/2014 at 8:32 PM, Aron Peterson said:

I am in need of a new engine. I am thinking of a factory reman or new. But who to put it on is the real problem. I would appreciate any feedback on this subject. Thank you

Who did you end up using to install your SB engine?

[Aron Peterson]

Who did you end up using to install your SB engine?

I had Max D put it on. I heard the folks down at Premier at FXE do a great job and are very professional. Ray B is the guy to talk to.
I ended up getting a factory new. I plan to have it for a while and wanted a known quantity.

Aron

[thinwing]

Nice but it is on a bonanza

[StevenL757]

Aron, I had my factory reman IO550N installed two years ago, and couldn't be happier.  CMI (TCM at that time) shipped the engine to my mechanic in TX, and I flew down for annual.  During this "extended annual", we removed old engine and prop, installed the new engine, sold the old prop, shipped the old engine core back to CMI, and the costs were exactly what CMI and my mechanic quoted, so the budget stayed intact.  All in all, a wonderful experience.

Depending on where you choose to get your engine, they could ship to Don if that's who you choose.  Not sure if you're a proponent of user-assisted annuals and maintenance (or if Don's shop allows that), but if so, you may want to factor that into your decision-making when looking for a shop.  I've only gone through this twice (user-assisted both times), but you're welcome to PM if you have additional questions.

Steve

[LANCECASPER]

1 hour ago, StevenL757 said:

Aron, I had my factory reman IO550N installed two years ago, and couldn't be happier.  CMI (TCM at that time) shipped the engine to my mechanic in TX, and I flew down for annual.  During this "extended annual", we removed old engine and prop, installed the new engine, sold the old prop, shipped the old engine core back to CMI, and the costs were exactly what CMI and my mechanic quoted, so the budget stayed intact.  All in all, a wonderful experience.

Depending on where you choose to get your engine, they could ship to Don if that's who you choose.  Not sure if you're a proponent of user-assisted annuals and maintenance (or if Don's shop allows that), but if so, you may want to factor that into your decision-making when looking for a shop.  I've only gone through this twice (user-assisted both times), but you're welcome to PM if you have additional questions.

Steve

I think he had it installed with Don Maxwell a couple of years ago.