Warbird Information Exchange

I have to start thinking about overhauling my engine, what are your thoughts on the various outfits out there?

Also, what are the best mods for the engine? Airwolf filter?

Ollie wrote:I have to start thinking about overhauling my engine, what are your thoughts on the various outfits out there?

Also, what are the best mods for the engine? Airwolf filter?

3 I've dealt with are

Aero Engines
Tulsa Aircraft Engines
Covington

Spin on oil filter is an absolute.
If you have extended periods of inactivity I'd consider a pre-oil system.

x 2 for the spin-on filter!
We have them on 5 of the 6 Harvards at CHAA and they are a real asset when keeping an eye on engines nearing their TBO.

I'd personally recommend Covington in Oklahoma, but choose whatever works for you.
Aero Recip in Winnipeg is nice to support because they are in Canada, but I've heard rumours of some folks having issues with R-1340's done there.

Good luck with your search!

Shane

I'd consider arranging to be there at the tear down so you can see known issues and collect S/Ns of internal parts.
Wear on the Cam and bearings along with corrosion will be evident on disassembly. It should give an indication of what you will have to deal with.

Thanks guys!

What have you heard about Aero Recip?

We had a 985 done for a Beaver at Covington and we had some troubles with it. Our Aero Recip 985 did fine though.

How were your dealings with Aero Engines?

My engine was done at Aero Engines in Los Angeles, as were a few others I'm aware of locally. Everyone seems to have had good luck.

Hi Ollie,
some overhaul shops offer some warranty for (parts) ot their work (e.g. Tulsa Aero Engines).
Read the agreement for this warranty carefully to evaluate if it can be of any need for you (max. engine hours, max. time from date of delivery, etc.)

Hi Ollie,

I got my 1340 done at Aero Recip a few years ago, have about 150 hours on engine and it's still running strong. The McMann boys from the coast (Gunslinger and Red Knight) have had both their engines done in Winnipeg also. Apparently they've worked closely with AeroRecip to balance and other "tuning". They've been flying Reno for years and are quite happy with them. I'd call one of the McMann's for more info.

Drew

Thanks guys.

I'm noting down all this info.

Update: Had an intake lobe come off my cam ring at 250 hours, Aero Recip did not stand behind their engine. yes, out of warranty, but still felt they should have made some kind of contribution. Still can't figure out how the lobe came off, only guesses at this point.

Dang!

This sucks!

My bird has just returned into the air, I'll try to put some hours on here before doing the O/H.

Don't send it to Aero Engines, despite my previous recommendation!

I don't have a dog in this hunt but Covington is always at NWOC and they will stand there and answer any question you may have during and after the show. I have asked my share of them...