Kline Aviation for Overhauls

[mooneykflyer]

In looking at a few new potential airplanes, I have found a few that are close to TBO.

I found a shop in a publication that advertises overhauls for a somewhat unbelievable price. I emailed the owner and asked him what an overhaul would be for a TSIO-360 and TSIO-520. His reponse was around $16,000 - WHOA!

That's about 50% less than I've seen in the past. Now, I am not one to skimp on maintenance whatsoever; in fact quite the opposite. I am the first person to fix everything the right way without hesitating.

My question - Does anyone have any experience with Kline in MI?

[jmills]

The plane I just bought was overhauled by them in October of '09. It had only 25 hours on it when I picked it up, and now has close to 50. Since I'm new to ownership, and still quite a green pilot, I can't give you much insightful info. My local mechanic is, so far, 'cautiously optomistic' about the overhaul performed on my plane. I will gladly report as time goes on as I learn more, and my mechanic also learns more about the plane.

[conom06d]

yeah thats really cheap for a full overhaul. I've been looking into them as well as my plane is overdue for one, however my machanic tells me she is good for another couple hundred +hours. I'm new to ownership as well but I know there are different levels of overhauls (i.e. field overhaul vs actual send in motor overhaul). Do you know if they sent in the motor to the manufacturer or not? I think field overhauls run about that pricerange of around 15K from what ive seen

[MikeinFL]

Guys.

 

I have FIRST HAND experience with Kline rebuilds in my M20F. 

I purchased my M20F three years ago with a 300 hour Kline rebuild, and have nothing but trouble with it. At the pre buy we discovered that the camshaft was making metal.  To his credit Kline took the engine back and replaced the cam/followers/main bearings/pistons/ and valves  -- for free.  Then about a year later, the AP noticed that there were cracks in the rear jugs which were the result of a previous weld job at the original Kline rebuild.   Now after three years / 400 hours and persistent oil leaks I think I have the bugs worked out of the engine and all is good.

 

I would not recommend Kline.