What to watch for during engine install...O-360-A1D

[DXB]

I'm nearing overhauled engine install on my M20C and have confidence in the overhaul shop. However, I went with a mechanic on the field for the removal and install whom I don't know very well.  I'm rehabbing/replacing everything that makes sense in the process (e.g. fuel and oil hoses, rubber engine mounts, prop resealed). I also have some spare baffle components to rehab my decrepit doghouse. The risk of both maintenance-induced hassle and maintenance-induced disaster in this scenario has me a little stressed.  I plan to supervise the details of the install as best I can, taking multiple trips to the shop if necessary until I feel good about taking the plane from the midwest to the east coast.  Please help me make a list of things to look out for during the install.  I plan to scrutinize all I can without driving my mechanic insane....

Not my plane, stolen from another thread, just adding visual interest

[PT20J]

Make sure all the accessories are overhauled along with the engine. I'd overhaul the oil cooler -- it's not expensive. Might be worth painting or powder coating the engine mount depending on condition. Also you want to make sure that the instrumentation is good for a new engine so it might be a good time to replace the probes depending on age and condition. R&R is pretty straightforward removing and reconnecting stuff. 

[DXB]

20 hours ago, PT20J said:

Make sure all the accessories are overhauled along with the engine. I'd overhaul the oil cooler -- it's not expensive. Might be worth painting or powder coating the engine mount depending on condition. Also you want to make sure that the instrumentation is good for a new engine so it might be a good time to replace the probes depending on age and condition. R&R is pretty straightforward removing and reconnecting stuff. 

Thanks - the probes are the thing I hadn't thought of.  My JPI EGT probes are at 9 years/1200 hours which I think approximates their life expectancy?  My CHT, oil, and carb temp probes are the same age but I think last much longer?  

[Hank]

Replace the cables for throttle, prop and mixture, too. It would be a good time to upgrade to the blue prop knob if you don't have it (mine is black like the throttle).

[PT20J]

1 hour ago, DXB said:

Thanks - the probes are the thing I hadn't thought of.  My JPI EGT probes are at 9 years/1200 hours which I think approximates their life expectancy?  My CHT, oil, and carb temp probes are the same age but I think last much longer?  

One of my JPI EGT probes went flakey at a little more than 1200 hrs. I’d replace them. CHT and oil probes should last longer. 

[M20F]

1 hour ago, DXB said:

Thanks - the probes are the thing I hadn't thought of.  My JPI EGT probes are at 9 years/1200 hours which I think approximates their life expectancy?  My CHT, oil, and carb temp probes are the same age but I think last much longer?  

I wouldn’t replace thing’s that are working, especially given you have a new engine going in.  The more known quantities you have the better.  
 
I would also add that if it is working why replace it.   Probes are light and cheap, toss replacements in the hat rack and use as needed.  

[DXB]

1 hour ago, Hank said:

Replace the cables for throttle, prop and mixture, too. It would be a good time to upgrade to the blue prop knob if you don't have it (mine is black like the throttle).

Good idea but I replaced all within last 5 years though.

[kortopates]

i’d be most concerned about the JPI harness if it showing any signs of chaffing - now is the time to easily replace it and route away from interference.


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