be?st choices for new engine for P210?

[Phil Kellman]

(Sorry if versions of this message show up twice. Right now it looks
like my first attempt vanished.)

The engine on my 1980 P210 has reached TBO, and I'm trying to figure
out the best course for replacing it. Cessna experts who I trust in
Santa Maria, CA have suggested a new Continental engine (this is a
TSIO 520P) for around $37K. Another option would be a factory reman.
by Continental for around $31K. I've also spoken with Western Skyways
about a Millenium engine for around $29K.

What's a good move here? I've looked at some old threads on this
newsgroup, and some of you have given good advice. But I'm confused
because there have been different problems at different times (e.g.,
with new Continental engines at certain times and with Superior Air
Parts Millenium cylinders at other times). Are Millenium or ECI
cylinders really better? Are there advantages to a factory new
engine? etc.

I guess my priorities are 1) getting a reliable engine; 2) avoiding an
early top overhaul; 3) working with a company that upholds their
warranty without problems; and 4) getting a decent price.

Any advice on any aspect of the above would be most appreciated! Feel
free to post or email me >)personally.

Thanks!

--Phil Kellman

[Dave Butler]

Phil Kellman wrote:

> What's a good move here? I've looked at some old threads on this
> newsgroup, and some of you have given good advice. But I'm confused
> because there have been different problems at different times (e.g.,
> with new Continental engines at certain times and with Superior Air
> Parts Millenium cylinders at other times). Are Millenium or ECI
> cylinders really better? Are there advantages to a factory new
> engine? etc.
>
> I guess my priorities are 1) getting a reliable engine; 2) avoiding an
> early top overhaul; 3) working with a company that upholds their
> warranty without problems; and 4) getting a decent price.

Since I don't see any other responses, let me kick things off by saying I'm a
fan of field overhauls. IMO in general you don't get value for the extra expense
of a factory reman or new engine. You're just paying for bragging rights. I'll
concede, however,that there are circumstances where a field overhaul might not
be advisable, say, if you know going in that your crankcase, crank or cam is
bad, or something like that.

Survey your local mechanics and find out where they like to send engines for
field overhaul. Chances are there will be a consensus. An overhauler that all
the local mechanics like will be one that has a reputation to maintain and will
stand by its warranty, and for warranty service, you're dealing with a nearby
businessperson that you can look in the eye, and not some voice-mail-hell large
corporation halfway across the country.

Just my opinion, of course.

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Dave

[Doug]

One thing I did not see on your list was how long you would put up
with airplane being down. Also, if the current engine is the same
engine that came with the plane new, there is an argument to
rebuilding it.

Bottom line, there is no BEST here, it is all a matter of how much you
want to pay, and, unfortunately, luck. The more you pay the less
likely you will have a problem. If it were me, with that TSIO 520, if
I had the money, I'd order a factory new, fly the plane until it
arrives, then pull the plane into the mechanics hangar and say "swap
it". I'd also take some pictures of the engine and where all those
hoses go, don't expect the mechanic to do it, and you'll need it to
see if everything is back where its suppossed to be. Its a complicated
maze in there and mechanics don't grok photographs.

If factory new makes your hip hurt, then go ahead and get a factory
reman from Continental, and do the swap. Almost as good.

I personally am not a fan of field overhauls, local mechanics taking
apart and engine they have never taken apart before and sending
everything out for grinding and lathe work, then reassembly, sounds
like a high school shop project and the odds are they will screw it
up. If you are lucky enough to get a local specialist (not likely with
that rare engine), and this means someone who has done it before,
recently, then it might work out ok.

As for warranty, only factory warranties and the big rebuild houses
are any good, don't count on a field overhaul having any warranty,
they'll just point fingers at the other guy.

(Phil Kellman) wrote in message >...
> (Sorry if versions of this message show up twice. Right now it looks
> like my first attempt vanished.)
>
> The engine on my 1980 P210 has reached TBO, and I'm trying to figure
> out the best course for replacing it. Cessna experts who I trust in
> Santa Maria, CA have suggested a new Continental engine (this is a
> TSIO 520P) for around $37K. Another option would be a factory reman.
> by Continental for around $31K. I've also spoken with Western Skyways
> about a Millenium engine for around $29K.
>
> What's a good move here? I've looked at some old threads on this
> newsgroup, and some of you have given good advice. But I'm confused
> because there have been different problems at different times (e.g.,
> with new Continental engines at certain times and with Superior Air
> Parts Millenium cylinders at other times). Are Millenium or ECI
> cylinders really better? Are there advantages to a factory new
> engine? etc.
>
> I guess my priorities are 1) getting a reliable engine; 2) avoiding an
> early top overhaul; 3) working with a company that upholds their
> warranty without problems; and 4) getting a decent price.
>
> Any advice on any aspect of the above would be most appreciated! Feel
> free to post or email me >)personally.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --Phil Kellman

[Dave Butler]

Doug wrote:

> I personally am not a fan of field overhauls, local mechanics taking
> apart and engine they have never taken apart before and sending
> everything out for grinding and lathe work, then reassembly, sounds
> like a high school shop project and the odds are they will screw it
> up. If you are lucky enough to get a local specialist (not likely with
> that rare engine), and this means someone who has done it before,
> recently, then it might work out ok.

Just for the record, since I said I *am* a fan of field overhauls, I'm not
talking about an overhauler who does one overhaul a year. With a little looking
you should be able to find an overhaul shop nearby, probably in your state or
the next state, that does hundreds of overhauls a year. No?

Dave
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