Arizona engine teardown and inspection

rvator51 · #1 01-08-2009, 11:23 AM

I have a O-360 A1D that has 500 SMOH but has been sitting for 10 years. I had the cylinders overhauled two years ago, but they are still in the boxes.
I was looking for someone to disassemble the case and reassemble with new gaskets/grease and test run.
The one place I contacted wants 6K to disassemble, inspect and reassemble. This seems awfully high to me but I may be out of touch. Does anyone know any place in AZ that will do a teardown and reassembly inspection for a more reasonable price?

Radomir · #2 01-08-2009, 12:15 PM

Unfortunately that number you were quoted is the "going rate"... Unless you're doing it yourself (eg assisted by a friend A&P), I'm not sure it's economical to disassemble/reassemble just to put new gaskets..

yakdriver · #3 01-08-2009, 12:54 PM

I would be more concerned with having a reputable shop doing the work rather than the cheapest price. You are the one who has to determine what your life is worth. Don

rvator51 · #4 01-08-2009, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yakdriver

I would be more concerned with having a reputable shop doing the work rather than the cheapest price. You are the one who has to determine what your life is worth. Don

Good point, Don. A safe running engine has to be the number one priority. Hopefully, I can find a reputable shop with good rates too. If not, my C/S prop purchase may be held off for a time.

yakdriver · #5 01-08-2009, 08:07 PM

I'm speaking with the voice of experience. I got burned on an engine that was supposed to be built by a reputable shop. Luckily I didn't fly it and ended up tearing it back down and re doing it with the help of a good engine builder. Don

N131RV · #6 01-08-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radomir

Unfortunately that number you were quoted is the "going rate"... Unless you're doing it yourself (eg assisted by a friend A&P), I'm not sure it's economical to disassemble/reassemble just to put new gaskets..

A local IA did my removal, teardown, rebuild and reinstall for a flat rate plus parts. Much less than $6000 for the labor.

YMMV

pazmanyflyer · #7 01-08-2009, 09:19 PM

Tom, I got this list from the Eci webpage.

Varga Enterprises, Chandler, AZ 480-963-6936 - Earl White
Aircraft Engine Specialist LLC, Chandler, AZ 480-516-0390 - Greg Starr
Lycon Inc. of Arizona, Mesa, AZ 480-981-0876 - Dean Altman
Legend Aviation, LLC, Prescott, AZ 928-717-1680 - Jay Kerger
Sun Western Flyers, Yuma, AZ 928-726-4715 - Joe Wardle

I have no first hand experience except with Aircraft Engine Specialist LLC. Had questions about my O290 and they were easy to talk to. I didn't buy anything from them and they helped my anyway.

Have you spoken to Robbie Attaway? I know he's an Eci builder and maybe he can assist you working your case/rebuild? I don't know if he would or not, just an idea.