Overhaul shops

[The-sky-captain]

Ok so my filter has been showing alot of metal the last 6 mos/110 hrs. Just engine cracked open and it looks like it needs a major. I'm going to look into all options and compare factory new, factory OH and a good shop OH. Could those of you that have been through this give me some shops to look into. I live in Arkansas so I will give the shop in Mena a shot being that they are just down the road and seem to have a good rep.

[GeorgePerry]

I don't know too much about these guys but thy seem to have the lowest prices around, and good comments online and no BBB issues.  Might be worth a look.

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=36129

[fantom]

JB at Sebring has a good reputation down here, though I've not done business with them. Very clean and orderly shop.

[DaV8or]

Where is the metal coming from? If it is from the cam, then you might want to consider a factory rebuild. That way you would get the new roller tappets that will likely greatly reduce the self destructing cam scenario. A tip I learned at Oshkosh from a Lycoming rep: don't bother ordering the factory new engine unless you really want the longer warranty. The reason why is because the there are no cases with the roller tappets being returned yet for rebuild because they are so new, so you get a new engine at a discount. Eventually, when roller tappet cases start returning, they will actually be rebuilds. The roller tappets are only available from the factory and no where else.

[rorythedog]

my  1978 m20j engine was just done by executive engines, olathe, ks...fabulous experience! 913-782-6200  charlie fairbanks

another great shop is in bolivar, mo...fostair.  417-777-6800.  jay foster

[The-sky-captain]

rorythedog- Thanks for the heads up, I'll give them a call. I would like a shop that is close by if the need of warranty work comes up and both locations are just a quick flight from me. I'm also considering Robert Smith in Mena. He has been highly recommended by numerous people and does quite a bit of work for Jimmy Garrison from what I hear. Either way, it's alot of $ but I'm pretty excited about having a strong, new engine to fly behind.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Zephyr Aircraft engines in FL.

[mulro767]

New guy here.  Actively shopping for my dream Mooney.  What can I expect to pay for a factory or shop overhaul?  Engine and prop?  Any other suggestions out there?  Thanks!!

[tony]

If you and your mechanic cracked the engine, why don’t you just do a field overhaul?  You're almost there and that should cost you a whole lot less.  I bet the metal is coming because the followers corroded and it’s taking the cam with it?  Is that the case?

[danb35]

Mulro767, you're looking at a range of prices from around $15k to around $70k for an engine overhaul, depending on whether it's factory or shop (and which shop), and which engine you're dealing with.  Which model(s) are you looking at?

[Rustler]

I used Western Skyways in Montrose, CO, and could not be happier. Reasonably priced, did what they said they would, and I have a very strong engine. I also opted to do the conversion to true dual mags, which I consider mandatory when doing one of these overhauls.

 

 

[laytonl]

I've used Certified Engines, Opa-Locka, FL for two overhauls.  They are competitive and did an excellent job both times.

Lee

 

[The-sky-captain]

An update on the OH process. I went with Mena Aircraft Engines and had a good experience with the whole process and feel good about the quality and experience of the shop. Before the OH my oil would become black and burnt smelling within a couple hours of changing and I was only getting a quart every two hours. Now the oil is nice and honey colored and the engine gets a quart every 12 hours or so. All is well, loving that new engine and I would recommend MAE to anyone. On top of the engine, I had the oil cooler and prop governor OH'd, a digital tach installed and and oil temp probe hooked up to the JPI.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: The-sky-captain

An update on the OH process. I went with Mena Aircraft Engines and had a good experience with the whole process and feel good about the quality and experience of the shop. Before the OH my oil would become black and burnt smelling within a couple hours of changing and I was only getting a quart every two hours. Now the oil is nice and honey colored and the engine gets a quart every 12 hours or so. All is well, loving that new engine and I would recommend MAE to anyone. On top of the engine, I had the oil cooler and prop governor OH'd, a digital tach installed and and oil temp probe hooked up to the JPI.

[The-sky-captain]

How long does it take for the metals and silicon content to get back to normal after an OH? I just got my first oil analysis back (56 hours on engine/ 24 on oil/ 1 quart of makeup oil was added) and the aluminum, copper and silicon were a little high. The lab says it's normal but didn't say how long I should expect this for. The oil suction screen was clean as a whistle. Anybody that has any knowledge on this feel free to chime in.

[jetdriven]

give it 100 hours to stabilize. 

[MikeinFL]

Quote: Parker_Woodruff

Zephyr Aircraft engines in FL.

[John Pleisse]

I have an IO-360A3B6. Factory new, I was off mineral oil, no leaks, full stabilization and clean oil analysis at exactly 50hrs .