Overhaul Shop - Rockies and west - Pls recommend

[Pacoch]

Any recommendations of a good overhaul shop west of Rockies?  1979 M20K, 200 hrs past TBO.  Starting to fall apart so time to overhaul.  Suprised at the lack of info on good shops for field overhauls.  Appreciate some help.

[RJBrown]

Western Skyways http://www.westernskyways.com/

[carusoam]

"Suprised at the lack of info on good shops for field overhauls." - Pachoc

Pachoc,

Welcome to the board.  We were waiting for you to fill in this open space.

Let us know what you find.

I am interested in how you were successful getting past TBO with your engine and what has made you decide that now is the time.  This is another empty spot that could use some filling.

Best regards,

-a-

[FlyDave]

My 1st plane, a Cherokee 140, had the engine overhauled at Lycon in Visalia, CA:

http://www.lycon.com/ly-con/contact.html

That engine was an exellent engine. It was upgraded from 150 HP to 160 HP and test celled at 178 HP after rebuild. It ran stong and smooth and had excellent compressions (78, 78, 78, 79) when I sold it at 1100 hours.

Here's a review of 4 engine shops (including Lycon) on AvWeb:

http://www.avweb.com/news/maint/185049-1.html

They're not the cheapest engine shop but they have an excellent reputation. They will rebuild the engine in my 201 when it comes time.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

[ToddDPT]

I'm based in Visalia and Lycon is a premier shop.  We are fortunate to have these guys so close. If I remember correctly, they build engines for the Red Bull team planes.

[Rustler]

Pacoch--

I used Western Skyways when I needed an overhaul and wanted a conversion to an IO360A3B6 (rather than the B6D). I have nothing but good things to say about the shop.Because they were looking for a B6D, they did not charge me a core differential. I have well over 100 hours on the engine now and it uses no oil and consistently provides me with 152K TAS.

[Pacoch]

Thanks to all!

Visalia is closer to PAO than Skyways, but I'm happy to shuttle for the right shop and price. 

The motor is running well though starting to lose compression in two cylinders.  No metal; we get it checked every oil change.  The auiliary items are starting to break down and need replacing so we are approaching dimminishing returns.  Engine mounts, exhaust cracks, mags etc.

I'll check with skyways and Lycon and let you know. 

Thanks again, Paco

[jetdriven]

Your engine mount, exhaust, starter all are separate items. You can install them on the new engine. They likely don't come with an overhaul.

[Pacoch]

I realize that but it feels like we are throwing money at a sinking ship so we (the partners) have decided to get it all taken care of now.

 

[Ron McBride]

I just purchased 4 cylinders from Lycon for my F.   I drove to Visalia to deliver the old ones and pick up the new ones. They gave me a tour of the shop, and explained what happens when you overhaul.  I now understand why it takes months.  They are not located on the airport, I did not enquire if they have access to the airport to remove and replace your engine for you.  I have not started the engine yet, I am still doing the annual and a couple of mods.  I do plan on using them when overhaul time comes though.

Ron

[Pacoch]

"Takes months"??  I guess I have no idea what to expect from an overhaul.  How long do they typically take? 

[FlyDave]

Quote: Pacoch

"Takes months"??  I guess I have no idea what to expect from an overhaul.  How long do they typically take? 

[rocketman]

If you want the best of the best, contact Victor Aviation and get the Black Edition. It might cost you a few extra dollars but its definitely worth the extra cost for all the extras they put into the engine.

[DaV8or]

Quote: Pacoch

Suprised at the lack of info on good shops for field overhauls.  Appreciate some help.

[Ron McBride]

After they tear the engines down and inspect them, if needed they then have to send some parts out to specialty shops etc, and then wait for them to repair. They can not reassemble until they ahve all of the parts.  Go to an engine shop and tour it. It will be very informative.

Ron

[Immelman]

Paco, can't help on the question but wanted to say that I almost bought a share in that airplane several years ago (couldn't close the deal, oh well), and I wound up going on to buy a non-turbo mooney E model that I am sole owner of. Anyway I was really impressed with that 231 and hope its treated you guys well; good luck with the OH.