Hypothetically....is this a good deal for a 231?

[jrwilson]

So there is a 231 for sale, from the ad it looks awesome as far as avionics/paint and interior plus it has a lot of extras. The problem is it had a recent gear up, which got a new prop n engine overhaul, but then about 40 hours later, a prop strike... With a new prop but only an IRAN...the other problem is it hasn't flown much at all in the last 2 years...due to the inactivity, and IRAN only, should I ignore this one? Or is it worth a look with a good prebuy? Let's say 100k for purchase price.

[Jimhamilton]

I do not have enough info to help you.  How many hours TT and what year.  The prop strike makes me worry a little.  Describe the strike.  Not all strikes are the same.  Maybe you can post the ad.

[jrwilson]

Yeah posting the ad would be easiest but I don't won't to screw up the owner's ad if it's on controller or something... Total time is around 4k and I don't know about how the prop strike occurred. They just IRANed the engine which seems weird to me, not OH. Plus very low hours in 2 years...

[carusoam]

Less about the plane, more about you...

Best case: If everything is good, you fly it away. Pay full price...

Worst case: What do you do if it needs an OH anyway? Pay full price - OH cost...

Will you be able to take the time, effort and cover that expense?

Some situations are better for other people.

If this makes sense to you, go talk to the mechanic that has done the work to try and get a feel for what was required.

It is a lot of work to remove an engine, dissemble, measure the crank, reassemble, and reinstall...

See what else was changed out while they were in there.

It is possible their definition of proper IRAN may be different than yours.

Back in the day, they used to check the run-out at the flange. If it didn't wobble, it was good to go...

Now there are procedures that are best followed. Look through the documentation...

There is a balance of risk and reward.

It may be a good deal for the right person...

Best regards,

-a-

[cliffy]

The prop strike AD doesn't mandate an overhaul although most do an overhaul. Maybe the first one was an insurance deal and the next the owner funded himself?

Is it the same crankshaft on both accidents that is still in the airplane?

My plane had a gear up many years before I got it but the same crank was in it. At the next overhaul it had a crack that could not be ground out so in went another crank. If it was me I'd be cautious if it's the same crank with no specific log book entry on both accidents for a crank magnaflux check.

[Yooper Rocketman]

So there is a 231 for sale, from the ad it looks awesome as far as avionics/paint and interior plus it has a lot of extras. The problem is it had a recent gear up, which got a new prop n engine overhaul, but then about 40 hours later, a prop strike... With a new prop but only an IRAN...the other problem is it hasn't flown much at all in the last 2 years...due to the inactivity, and IRAN only, should I ignore this one? Or is it worth a look with a good prebuy? Let's say 100k for purchase price.

 

Maybe I am missing something here, but why OH a 40 hour SMOH engine?  If it requires a tear down to inspect and verify any damage (IRAN), then it was completed.  The wear on the rings, valves, cylinders, bearings, and all the accessories doesn't really change due to a prop strike.

 

My Rocket had a "0" time engine installed during the conversion.  300 hours later the owner I bought it from had a prop strike.  They did the same as stated here (IRAN) and I am at almost 1900 hours on a 1600 hour TBO engine.  I never thought it "unusual" that the engine was not completely overhauled after the prop strike, nor did the 2 IA's or my A&P consulted during the PPI.

[Guest]

I agree with Tom, why overhaul a virgin engine? As long as the engine was fully inspected and the propeller replaced I would not be concerned.

A properly inspected prop struck aircraft is more of an emotional issue than an airworthiness issue.

Clarence

[Danb]

I generally agree withnAnthony ( that's scary) but as you described the plane I most likely would pretend I never heard of this aircraft.sometimes it's better to just walk away...

[Guest]

As with many things there are differing opinions of what should happen during a prop strike inspection, here is the TCM sb on the subject.

http://www.tcmlink.com/pdf2/SB96-11B.pdf

Clarence

[Guitarmaster]

One thing you might think about, is taking Mike bushes idea and escrowing the the cost of the overhaul. I believe his idea was if the engine needs to be overhauled in a year that you guys split the cost. So it would ease the pain somewhat if you only paid half on the overhaul, should it need it.

Just an idea.

[Shadrach]

Maybe I am missing something here, but why OH a 40 hour SMOH engine? If it requires a tear down to inspect and verify any damage (IRAN), then it was completed. The wear on the rings, valves, cylinders, bearings, and all the accessories doesn't really change due to a prop strike.

My Rocket had a "0" time engine installed during the conversion. 300 hours later the owner I bought it from had a prop strike. They did the same as stated here (IRAN) and I am at almost 1900 hours on a 1600 hour TBO engine. I never thought it "unusual" that the engine was not completely overhauled after the prop strike, nor did the 2 IA's or my A&P consulted during the PPI.

Because most folks think that anytime you split the case, it's time for an overhaul...

I agree with you and others wholeheartedly; overhauling a 40hr engine is a complete waste of resources. IRAN was the best course of action.

If the engine was truly IRAN'd, then the risk of it needing an overhaul in a year is minimal.

Clarence is spot on, people are emotional about this stuff. Prop strikes and belly landings are common occurances and so is repairing the damage. If everything else is nice, enjoy the discount. If you fly it for 5 years or so without incident, the next buyer/owner will likely not care much about the prop strike.

Do you know who repaired it? Are the local to you?