ECI Sold to Continental! - Page 2

tim2542 · #11 07-23-2015, 08:21 PM

ECI has had my 290 hr SNEW cylinders back for repair of worn valve guides for over 11 weeks. I have been told repeatedly during that period they would be done in 7-10 days, now today I'm told the repair shop is shuttered, all employees laid off and they cannot even ship my partially repaired cylinders...MY property, back to me.
I have only a promise they will get back to me, something I've been told over and over the past 2 months.
No slamming intended here, but those are the facts. If they come thru and fix this I'll report it here to be fair.
Tim

scard · #12 07-23-2015, 08:34 PM

Way, way, old news. Nothing shocking here. Listen to your expert "custom" engine builders... "Cold dead hands... come to mind."

RV6_flyer · #13 07-23-2015, 10:09 PM

It was told at Oshkosh AirVenture 2015 that ECI PMA parts are no more. The only thing left is Continental Titan Experimental Engines. There is an ECI tent at AirVenture 2015 that I have not stopped in yet to find out more.

DaleB · #14 07-23-2015, 10:29 PM

It was odd to see the Titan guys all wearing Continental shirts. The ECI tent was quite deserted every time I walked past, but the Titan guy was telling me that they sell ECI PMA parts.

It's all very confusing.

659JR · #15 07-24-2015, 08:25 AM

The ECI Continental line is shut down. The ECI Lycoming line will continue to sell parts sometime next week after they complete their inventory count. I was told all customer property will be repaired at another facility or returned around the same time.

Jesse

Robski · #16 08-11-2015, 07:15 AM

Old topic, I know, but my supplier in the UK is experiencing longer lead times on ECI kit than he has come to expect.

Annoying, as I specifically want some ECI pistons for my Lycoming O-320 to go with the new ECI piston rings I already have.

I'll mix a lot of bits, but bitter experience has taught me that it's better to get pistons and rings from the same source.

Ironflight · #17 08-11-2015, 08:29 AM

I chatted with the ECI folks at Oshkosh, and to say that they are as uncertain about what is goign on as the rest of us is an understatement. Unfortunately for everyone, ECI is undergoing changes that no one seems to understand.

krw5927 · #18 08-11-2015, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight

I chatted with the ECI folks at Oshkosh, and to say that they are as uncertain about what is goign on as the rest of us is an understatement. Unfortunately for everyone, ECI is undergoing changes that no one seems to understand.

This is scary news for those of us with somewhat "unique" ECi/Titan engine configurations like the O-340 stroker. Less than a year in and I'm already orphaned.

jclark · #19 08-11-2015, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krw5927

This is scary news for those of us with somewhat "unique" ECi/Titan engine configurations like the O-340 stroker. Less than a year in and I'm already orphaned.

I too have a 340.

And I do **NOT** think that we are orphaned.

Have been doing a LOT of testing of the 340 to get a "certain configuration" "dialed in".

My impression is that they expect a LOT in the future from the 340.

Also, what is happening at ECI after the Continental acquisition is NOT surprising to me. I have been through several acquisitions. There is almost always confusion in the beginning. Remember, the acquired company has had YEARS to get the word out about what is happening. Now, we are only two or three weeks after the actual acquisition. Even if was crystal clear to the acquirer, it would take time for the "message" to get out to all the troops.

If the company was not primarily a "marketing-centric" company, then the messaging (even to in house people) will take longer than anyone wants.

The real test is what do they announce that they are killing off and what do they announce "new stuff" for.

So, for now, I plan to keep working with them on the 340. I am one of those who told them some time ago that I thought it could be great for certain RV configurations. I still believe that.

I may be wrong. I hope that I am not.

James

p.s. Once we get through with the "tweaking" I will share info here. Not before. Please respect that.

RV6_flyer · #20 08-11-2015, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krw5927

This is scary news for those of us with somewhat "unique" ECi/Titan engine configurations like the O-340 stroker. Less than a year in and I'm already orphaned.

There are more O-340 Strokers out there in Carbon Cubs than there are in RVs. I know CubCrafters is going to stand behind the engines they sold and I am pretty sure that what ever they need to keep their fleet of 340s flying will also be available to you.