- Joined
- May 13, 2020
- Messages
- 147
- Reaction score
- 32
Almost a year ago to the day, I was told during the annual that my Cherokee that I owned for less than six months would likely never fly again. That indeed turned out to be the case. Some of you may remember my saga (https://www.piperforum.com/threads/disastrous-first-and-last-annual.21598/)
Moving on from that disaster, I bought an Archer last year that I have really enjoyed flying. Coincidentally, the annual on it was also due in January. The engine was starting to make some metal (aluminum shards in the filter) so my mechanic borescoped it and then pulled a cylinder. It turns out one of the camshaft lobes has pitting. He also found the cause of the aluminum - a piston pin plug.
So I'm now looking at an IRAN or major overhaul. I am leaning towards a major, but am open to input. The last major overhaul was in 1996, so it's probably due. Besides cost, my biggest focus is getting the plane up and flying as soon as possible. I appreciate all the supply chain issues, and those are clearly having an effect on engine supplies - Lycoming quoted a 26-28 week wait time for an overhauled engine.
Does anyone have any insights on an overhaul shop that could potentially turn around a Lycoming O-360-A4M relatively quickly? I'm based in MA, so east coast would be preferable.
Other thoughts/suggestions are very welcome. (Giving up on airplane ownership is certainly one consideration, but I don't think I'm there yet!)
Moving on from that disaster, I bought an Archer last year that I have really enjoyed flying. Coincidentally, the annual on it was also due in January. The engine was starting to make some metal (aluminum shards in the filter) so my mechanic borescoped it and then pulled a cylinder. It turns out one of the camshaft lobes has pitting. He also found the cause of the aluminum - a piston pin plug.
So I'm now looking at an IRAN or major overhaul. I am leaning towards a major, but am open to input. The last major overhaul was in 1996, so it's probably due. Besides cost, my biggest focus is getting the plane up and flying as soon as possible. I appreciate all the supply chain issues, and those are clearly having an effect on engine supplies - Lycoming quoted a 26-28 week wait time for an overhauled engine.
Does anyone have any insights on an overhaul shop that could potentially turn around a Lycoming O-360-A4M relatively quickly? I'm based in MA, so east coast would be preferable.
Other thoughts/suggestions are very welcome. (Giving up on airplane ownership is certainly one consideration, but I don't think I'm there yet!)
