Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carl Orton on August 12, 2018 at 8:29pm

Hi, Robert;  How *well* do you know the pilot? As in, you've seen him/her around, or you've sat and talked, perhaps flown with them, etc.

Are you sure about the 750 SMOH or STOH?  Have you read the logs?

If you *really* know this plane, the owner, and really understand how it's been maintained, I don't think it's a bad deal.

You might have to still put some $$$ into it; as an example, some mags need to be o/hauled on a regular basis. You might have a weak cylinder or two. You might want to put a lightweight starter and/or alternator on it. o-200's did not come with an oil filter as standard equipment. I would seriously consider adding one if the previous owner(s) haven't done it already.

Has current owner done oil analysis?  If so, review the last few reports just to check trending data.

Plan for an extra 2-3000 $ just so you're not surprised.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Riat on August 12, 2018 at 9:30pm

Hi Carl,  Thanks for replying. Yes, l know the pilot well - we have shared a hanger for

the last 14 years.  He has been meticulous about taking care of it, just doesn’t fly it much,

though it’s always in annual.  He might not appreciate it if I told him what I would do with

it and I wouldn’t do it without telling him before I bought it.  I just thought getting a running

engine might be a lot easier.

  I can buy a complete engine from a friend for 2500 bucks, which has been sitting in his

hanger for probably 15 years.  It is very low houred, turns free, but had a prop strike and

besides a crank check may also need new cylinders as well as mags, light wt. starter, etc.

He will let me tear it down and check it before I buy it, so I suppose that’s a better way

to go.  Did you start with a core?

Thanks,

Robert

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Permalink Reply by Carl Orton on August 13, 2018 at 10:50am

Hi, Robert;  It all depends on how you want to go. For me, building an engine is viewed as "fun" but I have an engine background.

Depending on how far your friend will let you tear-down the 2500$ engine, and if you enjoy building, go for it. I bought a core for $4000 or thereabouts, and I'm planning on about $14,000 total when I'm done. I've already had the internals tested & tagged, as well as the case.  I need a new accessory case, so that will be a big chunk.  Cylinders all had good compression, but I'm going with new Superiors; more to be able to go back to 28 deg of timing vs 24 as limited by the older cylinders.  Starter is less than 100 hrs old, so it pains me to go with a new one; will probably go with a new one anyway.  One slick mag is also at 100 hrs, so will need another mag. Carb was just overhauled.

Christopher below makes some good points, but for an experimental, the 12 years / 1800 hrs is only guidance. More important to me is how regularly (the one in the 150) it's been flown. I'd rather have a 50 hr/year engine that's flown every week than one where it sits for months or a year, then has 150 hrs put on it the next year. Supposedly you know the history on its use. Does either engine have the mounting pad for an engine-driven fuel pump? The 150 probably doesn't since it's a high wing. The other one in your friends shop may/may not. Since you're a low-wing you'll need to determine that impact as well.

If you have the time to part-out the 150, you can't ignore the possibility of going with a -D.

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Permalink Reply by christopher fryatt on August 13, 2018 at 11:32am

The recommended OH time doesn't apply because of Part 91 not for hire operations, not if experimental or certificated. But once again beware of old,  slightly used engines unless aware of the effects of sitting in an unpreserved state (as most are)

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Permalink Reply by christopher fryatt on August 13, 2018 at 7:48am

The problem Id worry about is the overhaul "timing" out, 12 years between OH or the TBO of 1800. If you are willing to fly behind an old one, You would make out by selling the 150 in parts or airframe project.

The cylinders and lifters will likely show corrosion from lack of use. Seals and magneto componets also degrade with time (drying out or becoming brittle.


new O-200D better than the O-200A and about 24K. Overhauling the O-200A with monies gained in selling C-150 stuff is possible.


Only negative of the D, or the A model from C-150 ...No engine driven fuel pump.


I am an A%P and sold my timed out 150 and used cash to pay for new O-200D. Lighter and much more power, as well as mental security wondering about the old motor fatiguing out plus how my OH's on the C-150 motor, probably not its first time around

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Permalink Reply by Robert Riat on August 13, 2018 at 12:23pm

Thanks to both of you.  You have helped me decide to back off and give it all lots

more thought.  While I still work on engines, I am 69 and it’s not as much “fun” as

it once was - upon returning from Vietnam a friend and I had a shop and built &

rebuilt engines - mostly auto, diesel & motorcycle and also his Dad had a small

machine shop so we did all our own head work and bored a few engines. I have

really never worked on my airplanes because have always had a partner and the

liability wasn’t worth it.

  Anyway, being mostly retired, I built my 750 last Winter, learned a lot and had

a great  time. The reason for building the 601 is to keep busy and I plan to take

my time, have a pro painter paint it, and try to build a plane someone will be proud

to own. I painted my 750 and it’s very average.  I also think it’s even more important

to build the plane with a trusted and proven engine when selling it to someone

and I plan to sell it.

  That all being said, I probably won’t break even on it so I need to keep an eye on

that part of it.  Thanks to both of you, I needed to hear what you had to say!

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