Continental IO520 - opinions.

[Lood]

I'd like honest opinions on the Continental IO520 280hp. I've heard more negative than positive remarks up to now. Mostly about  crank cases that are prone to cracking. Apparently this problem is solved with the heaby duty replacement crank case and VAR crank - whatever that means.

On the positive side, most feel that it's a very smooth engine that's relatively reliable if treated well. What's your take?

[KSMooniac]

I have no opinion or experience with that engine, but I suspect there is a wealth of info over at beechtalk...you might poke around there for starters.

[RJBrown]

The only 520 in the Mooney fleet are the Rockets but the TSIO520NB @ 310HP is different beast.

[Kwixdraw]

There is some good info on Continental case cracking in the Sacramento Sky Ranch Engineering Manual.  There are a number of problems that are common to all of the Conti 520 and you would probably find out a lot about them on the American Bonanza Society website. Just from what I have read about them it seems that the accessories can be problematic...starter drive adaptors, gear driven alternators and that sort of thing. You have to strictly monitor and service them to avoid having them take out your engine.

[Lood]

Thanks - I have now heard enough to make up my mind. No IO520 for me then.