Bob Chilcoat wrote:
We're beginning to converge on TBO in our '74 Archer. At the rate we're all
flying (four partners) we'll hit 2000 hours next year sometime. Plane uses
a bit of oil, but compressions were OK at last annual (new one is this
month, so we'll see). Engine runs very well at the moment.

At any rate, I'm beginning to collect data on overhaul options. The options
seem to be that we can consider a local shop overhaul, a Lycoming or
national center overhaul, or a "factory reman" from Lycoming or perhaps
Mattituck, Superior or similar. I've heard good things about Penn Yan. Any
hard data out there? Anyone to scrupulously avoid? Strong recommendations?
Thanks. Thoughts on the relative merits of overhaul vs. remanufacture?

[broken record]

Find a shop that does engine overhauls every day, day after day.

Find a shop that's nearby, so warranty resolution is made easier. The nationally
advertised name-brand shops are fine if they're right next door, but don't ship
your engine far away. Warranty issues are also made more complicated if one shop
does the remove and reinstall, and another does the actual overhaul. Fly your
plane to the overhaul shop and let them do the R&R.

Replace, don't repair cylinder assemblies. The price of a new Lyc cylinder is
very close to the cost to overhaul.

Ask nearby FBOs with rental fleets where they have their overhauls done.

Find a copy of the out-of-print "The Major Overhaul" by Kas Thomas.