Overhaul if I have to get VAR cranks.

[WebMaster]

Dave is correct, in that if the case is opened, the crank must be a VAR crank before it is closed back up. Two years ago, I replaced one of my engines with a factory Reman. At the same time, I got a heavy case engine. As I recall, at that time, VAR crank was $4,500. When added to the cost of overhaul and repair, it was marginally more expensive to get a factory reman engine.

With the factory reman, you get a warranty. I had to use the warranty, because the seal on the accessory case shaft that drives the hydraulic pump, was faulty. They paid for the complete removal of the engine, the case, provided new parts. I'm not certain about overhaul shops, if they would pay for the same kind of things.

There is the additional advantage of a reman for resale, however with today's prices, I doubt it really affects pricing.

Your engine, at 1450 hours, does not require a rebuild. Jerry has one that is 800 hours past TBO, and still running strong. If there is a problem with the engine, I would suggest getting a firm quote on rebuild, and a price on reman.

[Skymaster337B]

Risk Management! At only 1450 hours I wouldn't overhaul any IO-360 that was running well...maybe a top end if needed. But I understand that the same IO-360 engine in a different airplane (I think a Piper twin) had a recommended overhaul time of 2,000 hours. So why the difference? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Back to risk management, the Skymaster's unique inline design allows you to accept more of a risk with engine lose. Currently my engines have almost 1,700 hours on them and they are running very well.