Current engine reman/rebuild/replacement prices?

n86121 · #1 09-28-16, 03:15 PM

Good afternoon!

My original engines were turbo TSIO 360A factory, which meant light case etc.

When the front one developed a crack, over the Chesapeake bay at dusk, I replaced with factory new. When a mechanic failed to properly torque the rear, and the main bearings shifted, I replaced that one with an overhaul by well trusted local engine shop.

Both went to heavy cases and larger crankshaft, thus become tsio 360AB.

My suffering and research were extensive.

An old timer at Continental (Dick Conrad?) told me in the 90's that with these upgrades made it the same engine that gets an 1,800 overhaul time in a Seneca, but the airframe mfrs set the tbo, not the engine mfr. Cessna never had reason to increase the tbo to recognize this on an aircraft out of production.

Basically what I found out was that the bottom ends go and go and go. One friend who flew 135 cargo with Senecas said the bottom of their engines were up around 4-5,000 hours! Obviously heavy regular use, but relevant nonetheless.

For me, whenever a cylinder would get weak, I would replace with NEW, because I wanted zero cycles of metal heat fatigue. An overhauled cylinder may physically meet spec, but may also have 10,000 hours on it.

When it came time to OH rear engine, 4 out of 6 of my cylinders were low time, and simply overhauled, and two bought new. BIG savings. Like a good barkeep, I had arranged with local shop to set aside a heavy case for me when the time came.

I always run oil analysis, bore scope, etc. If the compression is reasonable, and the oil analysis is happy, then there is nothing critical wearing out.

It has been a few years, (ye gods), but I think a decent overhaul by reputable engine shop would be around $25-30k each?

I have also replaced both turbos with the newer style, and I recall about $3500 each new. Can be replaced at OH if needed.

So far so good!

hharney · #2 09-30-16, 10:24 PM

It one thing to have a number for the Reman or Overhaul cost but don't leave out all the install, remove, freight, etc etc etc.........also most props are overhauled at engine change. Governor ovhl, and components like vac pumps, hydraulic pumps, fuel injection systems. So anyway it's like the list never ends, because you say well I have a brand new engine so I better not put this 25 year old part on it..........

rmorris · #3 10-13-16, 02:18 PM

David (aka Big Cheese),

what is the part number on the turbos you put in that you call newer model, and where did you get them for 3500 each?

Last time I overhauled either front or rear, it was well north of 5k...o a 3500 replacement, assuming similar perf or better, sounds awfully attractive.

Also, was this a swap using 337 paperwork, or straight out certified via STC etc?

Robert

PS. Rear engine now getting close to 1400 hours, and burning through oil a bunch. Plus been thinking about bigger engines to go faster...so open to any ideas people have on this thread about overhaul, new, or straight out upgrade

n86121 · #4 10-13-16, 03:14 PM

So the turbocharger (Part no 406-970) was upgraded sometime in the past, circa 1998?

Then overhauled more recently 2011. That's 13 years. I can live with that.

So the overhaul was about $3500 or so by 'Approved Turbo' in Vero Beach FL, as I recall.

As with any turbo twin maintenance and cost.....it is all a blur...

rmorris · #5 10-23-16, 10:35 PM

1) Last time I had turbos overhauled (which is not too far back) it was well north of 6K each...I also used ATC, but maybe I didn't say the magic words?

2) no one has any comments on different engine options (other than just throw in another of the same)?

Red Air Rambo · #6 10-23-16, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorris

1) Last time I had turbos overhauled (which is not too far back) it was well north of 6K each...I also used ATC, but maybe I didn't say the magic words?

2) no one has any comments on different engine options (other than just throw in another of the same)?

I thought mine was around $3500, maybe it depends on how many parts they have to replace? FYI I also used them and was completely satisfied,

Only other engine option I can think of other than the turbo-prop test mule would be Riley's 520 Super Sky Rocket. Probably cheaper to find one than convert one though.

Brent

Red Air Rambo · #7 10-23-16, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Air Rambo

I thought mine was around $3500, maybe it depends on how many parts they have to replace? FYI I also used them and was completely satisfied,

Only other engine option I can think of other than the turbo-prop test mule would be Riley's 520 Super Sky Rocket. Probably cheaper to find one than convert one though.

Brent

They have quite a good climb rate, both dual and single engine, I just did not like the weight penalty, or the exclusiveness of parts. People I know that had them loved them. The climb rate is around 750 single and 2500 fpm both, it can go....but with fuel burn to match.