merrja Posted August 30, 2015 Report Posted August 30, 2015 Hi All, I looks like overhaul is my only option .... Looking for advice on a shop (IO-360 A1A model) ...currently considering Pen Yan, Zephyr & Triad. Also thoughts on Cylinders (overhauled vs nickel, vs factory new)? Thanks very much! Jim Quote
Andy95W Posted August 30, 2015 Report Posted August 30, 2015 When I had my Aztec, I used Triad for both Lycoming IO-540's. They did a great job. Highly recommended if you are in their general area. 1 Quote
laytonl Posted August 30, 2015 Report Posted August 30, 2015 Certified Engines in Opa Locka Fl has done two engines for me during the past twenty years. Both were squawk free. I had a minor issue with one ECI cylinder after the warranty period which they handled at no charge. I prefer new cylinders, but don't mind overhauled cylinders. Cylinders are a replaceable item, so you can yank them as needed. Lee Quote
Piloto Posted August 30, 2015 Report Posted August 30, 2015 Go with factory new cylinders. José Quote
KSMooniac Posted August 30, 2015 Report Posted August 30, 2015 If the jugs are first run and aren't with past new tolerances, I'd overhaul them and save $4k+ over new. Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk 1 Quote
MyNameIsNobody Posted August 30, 2015 Report Posted August 30, 2015 I am based in Midwest and had Poplar Grove do my first overhaul on my A1A with 1850 on engine. I am 500 hours post overhaul going oversize on my cylinders vs. Factory new. Time will tell on whether that was a good financial decision, but so far so good. 1 Quote
tls pilot Posted August 30, 2015 Report Posted August 30, 2015 Columbia Aircraft Services in Bloomsburg PA About 20 miles from Lycoming Factory Years of service and history Fair prices and quality workmanship Talk to Doug or Kelly http://www.columbiaaircraftservices.com/ Quote
BKlott Posted August 31, 2015 Report Posted August 31, 2015 Both Penn Yan and Zephyr have great reputations. I once flew a Cherokee 140 that was for sale. It had a low time Penn Yan overhaul in it. Smoothest running, fastest flying Cherokee I ever flew. Quote
bradp Posted August 31, 2015 Report Posted August 31, 2015 I have no direct experience with them but I'd look into Winchester Aero, (Winchester VA) everything I've read in every thread about them seems to be positive. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote
Shadrach Posted August 31, 2015 Report Posted August 31, 2015 Merrja, Where are you located? Airplane engines are not a difficult thing to rebuild. Most shops do a good job of assembling what turns out to be a fine running engine. An engine is as good as the people and parts used to assemble it. The way a shop differentiates itself is how they handle a problem/warranty claim. I would use a shop that is easy for you to visit. It is my experience that in the event that an issue creeps up, being local enough to easily do a face to face is a better place to be. That being said, all of the shops you've listed have good reputations. Zephyr is kind of the standout rockstar. I used Aero Engines of Winchester Va to do mine because they are 45 mins away by car. Tom does not seem overly concerned about appearances as there are engines and engine parts everywhere in his shop. However, they had mine broken down and the various components crated for shipping within 6 hours of me dropping it off. Turn around was about a month to overhaul the crank case and have all other parts inspected and reassembled. All for a very reasonable price. 2 Quote
merrja Posted August 31, 2015 Author Report Posted August 31, 2015 Hi Ross, Thanks for the post. I'm in Charlotte, NC. Quote
gsxrpilot Posted August 31, 2015 Report Posted August 31, 2015 Hi Ross, Thanks for the post. I'm in Charlotte, NC. You're right in the heart of engine building country! Maybe not airplane engines, but no shortage of engine builders in that part of the country :-) 1 Quote
DrBill Posted August 31, 2015 Report Posted August 31, 2015 The flight school at Wilgrove uses Triad and is very happy. I have no experience. BILL 1 Quote
Guitarmaster Posted August 31, 2015 Report Posted August 31, 2015 I am based in Midwest and had Poplar Grove do my first overhaul on my A1A with 1850 on engine. I am 500 hours post overhaul going oversize on my cylinders vs. Factory new. Time will tell on whether that was a good financial decision, but so far so good. That's where my plane is based and have considerable experience with the shop. They do great work and are insanely knowledgeable. 1 Quote
ryoder Posted September 1, 2015 Report Posted September 1, 2015 Columbia Aircraft Services in Bloomsburg PA About 20 miles from Lycoming Factory Years of service and history Fair prices and quality workmanship Talk to Doug or Kelly http://www.columbiaaircraftservices.com/ My friend went to college in Bloom. Dollar pitcher night. Can't be beat. Highly recommended. Quote
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