Buying a plane past TBO

[aviatoreb]

I would be much less comfortable buying and running a well beyond TBO engine that got there on someone else's watch, esp if it has been sitting some time in someone's hangar corroding before I took over.  It is a whole different matter this discussion if it is your own engine and you have been flying it regularly and watching trends on all corners (oil analysis, compressions, engine monitor, power performance, oil filter).  I would be comfortable buying someone's beyond TBO engine as above, as I said, with the plan of overhaul.

 

My own airplane engine had 785 hours since new when I purchased it 3.75 years ago and now it has 1285 hours.  I did need a top at 975 hours - due to nothing other than the traditional poor valve workmanship of continental's part.  I can say it was a relief and good feeling as each of the cylinders came off and we could see clearly in plain view (rather than trying to scope) the lowers of the engine looked terrific.  Now with "new" cylinders, I'm planning on running it for some time to come as long as it keeps giving me thumbs up that its happy.

[aviatoreb]

Seriously... Those MSC's... Beware the shop with a spit shined floor...

Don't get me wrong, Top Gun and LASAR have loads upon loads of mooney knowledge and know how, but 40 bucks an hour more than the other shops sure is a tall order... Plus the cost of traveling to and from...

Edit- but sometimes they are the guys with the parts or know-how to do it right!

 

Job, I don't fully agree with you on this one. I do use a local shop for most of my maintenance and they are super.  But they are generalists.  When I bring it to Weber aircraft - probably the best MSC in the East, for the strange problems, even though they charge more per hour, I am convinced that I pay lest over all.  For example they fixed a strange gear issue I was having this last month ( the gear would not retract, but it was very sporadic so hard to diagnose).  They know that gear setup and every component in it like the back of their hand, so whole diagnosis, testing, as well as disassembly reassembly to get into remote hidden airframe parts goes much faster I think than for a generalist. On the other hand if it is general things like maintaining the engine in good health, or avionics, and all host of other things - my local shop does not have spit polished floors - and just as important as price, they are 30 miles away instead of 300 miles.

[manoflamancha]

For a prebuy on a Mooney taking it to a MSC is a must to me to have peace of mind during the purchase process.

Since the 231 market is soft right now, I'd rather avoid buying a plane with a runout engine or outdated avionics.

[M016576]

Job, I don't fully agree with you on this one. I do use a local shop for most of my maintenance and they are super. But they are generalists. When I bring it to Weber aircraft - probably the best MSC in the East, for the strange problems, even though they charge more per hour, I am convinced that I pay lest over all. For example they fixed a strange gear issue I was having this last month ( the gear would not retract, but it was very sporadic so hard to diagnose). They know that gear setup and every component in it like the back of their hand, so whole diagnosis, testing, as well as disassembly reassembly to get into remote hidden airframe parts goes much faster I think than for a generalist. On the other hand if it is general things like maintaining the engine in good health, or avionics, and all host of other things - my local shop does not have spit polished floors - and just as important as price, they are 30 miles away instead of 300 miles.

No, I think we are on exactly the same page, I just wasn't very clear: I'll pay the up charge in labor for a mooney specific "head scratcher" of an issue, because the (premier) MSC's have been there, done that, and can do it again without experimenting..., but for 95% of my dailey gripes, the local shop gets first crack (and they have done me very well over the years)... At 65 dollars an hour instead of 110 dollars an hour...

[M016576]

For a prebuy on a Mooney taking it to a MSC is a must to me to have peace of mind during the purchase process.

Since the 231 market is soft right now, I'd rather avoid buying a plane with a runout engine or outdated avionics.

If you can get the seller to agree to that, and foot the bill, then you're certainly doing something right... And winning.

[manoflamancha]

Most sellers will not pay for the prebuy based on my experience but are flexible on where to have the prebuy performed.

[carusoam]

You pay for the PPI. It is your work for your financial protection.

A side benefit is available if you turn it into a full annual.

As usual, that can confuse the idea of your financial protection.

Speaking of financial protection,

Did you look up who CJ is???

Did somebody mention swimming in shark infested waters lately...?

Best regards,

-a-

[manoflamancha]

Do you mean the CJ behind the Modworks 262 STC of Mooney Mart fame? Ah I see why

http://mooneyspace.com/topic/8048-is-mooney-mart-dead/

[aaronk25]

2 thoughts....if your stretching to afford this plane with a timed out engine, maybe reconsider a less complex aircraft that will have less exposure to high maintenance cost.

Second, maybe call Jewell aviation and see how much to remove, overhaul abs reinstall the engine would be. My guess is Jewell would be in the mid 30's and the bank may finance the overhaul as part of the loan.?.?...

I would have no problem running a engine beyond TBO assuming I knew some history behind it, but to buy a plane without know in the history and fly it.....on a TBO engine.....makes me nervous.

[manoflamancha]

I decided to pass. I see 231 with low time engine for same or less price as the 262. Rather hedge bets on engine with less time and better panel.