Marco,
Jerry's right, there are multiple opinions, but here are mine, based on owning two Skymasters over the course of six years or so.
1. Cessna did a poor job on designing both engine baffle systems. As a result both engines run hot and especially the rear engine. This causes the engines to not reach TBO.
Baloney. Rumor. Not true. On *any* airplane (air cooled anyway) you must make sure baffles are installed and maintained properly. If you do that, you will not have problems with overhead on either engine. Both of my 337s initially ran with the rear engine cooler than the front. When I put new engines on my second airplane, they both ran at the same temperature. I flew all over the U.S. and into the Carribean, in summer. No problems.
2. Cessna did a poor job on the initial electrical systems on P337’s. The electrics were re-designed in 1975.
As to the poor job, yes, I think so. As to redesign in 1975, I am unaware of any significant redesign that occured at that time. I have never noted '75 and later airplanes having any less or more electrical problems than earlier. The electrical system is a weak point in Skymasters, but with proper maintenance, and a mechanic who understands electricity and electronics and will take the time to prove a diagnosis rather than just changing parts willy nilly, you can manage this problem with little added expense.
3. The first two year models (1973-74) only have 123 gallon fuel tanks which really restrict the aircraft’s range. 1975 and newer aircraft have 150 gallon tanks of which 148 gallons are useable.
True.
4. Both engines have an older designed exhaust system that is very prone to exhaust leaks. This causes the engines to not hold MP at higher altitudes and this is a very difficult problem to overcome.
Bullcrap. Properly maintained (with no more effort than any other other turbocharged Cessna, I have owned a T210 and a T182RG), you will get proper MP. If he is talking about pressurized airplanes, a well maintained P will make 20K no problem, maintaining MP and cabin pressure. You must fix cabin leaks, and again, properly maintain the exhaust. On hot days, some of the power settings in the manual will not work. I found in my P337 that I needed 2450 or 2500 RPM to maintain 65% power above 17,000 feet. But if I ran at 75% power, 2400 RPM was fine. If you are trying to run high at 2200 or 2300, you will have problems on most airplanes I have heard about, but perhaps others will report better experiences. In any case, it is no issue, and should not worry you about purchasing any 337, T337 or P337.
5. Airconditioners are a problem for this aircraft and not worth the money. They create many problems and do not work well. Not a recommended upgrade. Move to a cooler climate.
Most folks I know love their AC. I have heard the same as you, that it is a problem. Below is a thread on this site you can read that contains pro and con.
http://www.337skymaster.com/messages...s=&threadid=51
If you have more questions, you have found a great place to ask. And as Jerry says, the Oklahoma City meeting in April would be a great place to meet Skymaster owners who can tell you more about their experience with the airplane in person, and show you the different models, etc.
Congratulations on considering the purchase of a great airplane. You can beat the performance for the price in any other twin.
Kevin