labor fees too much? Annual inspection question

[rmorris]

Below is an excerpt from an email I sent to a mechanic I trust to get his opinion. it occurs to me that getting some more opinions out there would also be worthwhile. Please qualify your opinions with a little background (ie you are a mechanic, your an owner but had xyz experince, etc). Thanks (and I can be reached directly at rmorris@agsi.us)
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Basically not even getting to the other items, he had 45.5 hrs on the front engine for r&r of the front exhaust, r&r (and replacing the piston rings with a new set) on cyl #3 & cyl #6 - both front engine, and replacing 10 adel clamps front engine compartment - plus another 3 hrs to time the mag on the front engine. He told me that was how much time his top engine guy took and that he had issues along the way. I think even with issues this was way too much. Any idea on what reasonable times (even adding in a little for 'issues') would be on this set of items.

I went to test the airplane today and the front engine is not making full power, nor full fuel flow for take-off. Run-up looks fine. When I throw the throttle forward I get around 26.5 on both the rpm and manifold, and 15.6 on the fuel flow. I did 2 take-offs that way, then landed it and asked him to look at it. I was thinking it was fuel flow being set low on the high side, but the more I think about the more I think it might have just been the turbo wastegate not opening, or partially opening.

Just once I want to take a plane in for work, and NOT have a huge story to tell.
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-Robert
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[tropical]

As far as the work performed, I don't see a problem with the time billed out for what you described.

Since I don't know the history of your airplane I can't really comment about the second part of the engine not developing power without some more background info. Was the plane producing rated power before you took it in?

And I hold an A&P and IA and also a C337 owner.

[Skymaster337B]

The front engine mags are easier to check than the rear engine, but often involves removing allot of stuff just to get to the mags...especially with a turbo version, so 3 hrs of labor seems like a real good deal to me. As for low RPM, also check that the propeller cable travel allows full contact with the prop governor high RPM stop -- if not, it is adjustable.

If the exhaust clamp screws were rusted...and it usually is...then it can take many more hours to remove the exhaust system. Also, Skymaster cylinders are not as easy to R&R as most general aviation planes...because of the baffling and cowling.

[rmorris]

So it would take most folks almost 6 full days of work (45.5 hrs) to remove the exhaust, replace two cylinders, and some adel clamps on the front engine? I would think that even if you had most of the clamps rusted, it wouldn't possibly take that long, but I am looking for opinions so thank you very much for responding.
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[edasmus]

Hi Robert,

Here is another opinion for you to ponder. I can certainly relate to your feelings of wondering if you are getting what you pay for. Certainly owning and operating a Skymaster or any airplane for that matter is going to be a pricey affair. The way I look at it for me personally is this.

I know for certain I am not even close to being qualified to maintain my airplane though I do get my hands greasy at every annual. I wish I were. What that leaves me with is my gut feeling on how I feel the shop is treating me. I try very hard to treat my shop guys well. I have frequently taken my lead mechanic and his wife out for dinner and I am doing that again this week. Some of the secondary guys I have given "tips" to on the side knowing full well they are under paid for the important work they do day in and day out. What this has accomplished over the years is always getting very friendly service every time I walk in the shop and year to year the airplane has never left me walking. It really comes down to having a good personal relationship with the guys in the shop. My goal is to inspire them to want to do good by me. I know they do not always get it right the first time and I know for sure they are not perfect but I always feel that they mean well and for the most part they demonstrate competence.

If your gut is telling you the service is not right then I would suggest trying another shop. Just remember though, maintenance is a two way street. You must demonstrate a willingness to maintain the airplane correctly and pony up the $ to do this and in return hopefully the shop will want to do it right and as efficiently as they can because they like you.

The other option, which I wish I had the time for, is get your A&P and IA and do it yourself. I hope this helps because I understand that writing these checks can be painful. The problem is never flying my Skymaster again would be more painful. The day this changes though is the day I deliver it to the salvage yard.

Good Luck

Ed

[Mark Campbell]

I am, and have been an A&P for over 25 years, also an IA for over 10, I think this is right in line.
All the best!

Mark

[skymstr02]

I have to agree with Mark, the hours seem to be in line, considering the scope of the work accomplished. The number 3 cylinder is in the center, so all of the intercylinder baffling on that side must be removed to gain access to the cylinder. It does take some time to remove the exhaust clamps if the bolts are rusted, in order to prevent damage to the clamps themselves.