Cylinder Overhaul

Ventucky Red

Ventucky Red

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Sorry if this has already been asked, but.. what would one expect to pay for a cylinder overhaul with new piston, rings, etc... vs. just getting new cylinders?

I know there is a downtime factor to consider in the equation, but there is going to be some other maintenance while the plane is down so that's okay.
 
$800+ plus labor per jug if in good shape. Having 4 cylinders done on a C-177RG as I type.

Probably twice that if pistons replaced.
 
False economy in overhauled cylinders. Buying new is a better choice IMHO.
 
Ventucky Red said:
what would one expect to pay for a cylinder overhaul with new piston, rings, etc... vs. just getting new cylinders?
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I've found the route taken depends more on the reason for the cylinder work and where your engine life/condition is at. Perhaps give the cylinder shop a call and get their input? Sometimes they may have exchange units which could give the better overall deal.
 
Some cylinders are unobtanium... At least in a known or reasonable time frame.
 
FORANE said:
False economy in overhauled cylinders. Buying new is a better choice IMHO.
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At TSMOH of <1000, maybe. But if you're at 1600 hours and plan to get all new cylinders at OH in another ~5-10 years, maybe an OH'ed cylinder is a better choice.
 
bonefishpete said:
Why? Can’t be that much demand.
Back in the day Norm Bender had warehouses full of new engines. Sad times.
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Find me 6 LW-12993 in stock. Give it a shot.

Lycoming offshored cylinders, then brought it back. And things have been slow to say the least. Add to that the cost of labor to overhaul vs new and most spring for new. In the grand scheme of a major overhaul, the delta isn't that much.
 
How can one be sure of the heat history of an “off-the-shelf” OH cylinder? Is the metallurgy somehow checked? Does it matter?
 
All depends on cylinder condition.

When I began my engine overhaul, my initial plan was to OH the original cylinders. Three of the four had issues that drove the OH cost within about $300 each of new cylinders. It was an easy decision to just buy 4 new Superiors at about $1500 or so each.
 
I would only go overhaul if they are first run cylinders. If you send it in, make sure you write down the SN so you are sure you get your overhauled first run cylinder back.
 
With the awful quality of new cylinders I've received from both TCM and Superior, I'd feel happier with ones overhauled at a reputable place.
 
FORANE said:
False economy in overhauled cylinders. Buying new is a better choice IMHO.
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I've had really good luck with quality overhauled or exchanged cylinders, especially if the engine is mid-time or more and the cylinders are going to be replaced in 500-900 hours anyway. When I did my overhaul, my three overhaul/exchange cylinders looked great. The last original steel one was getting pretty clapped out, but what did me in was spalled cam and tappets. During the overhaul, I got 4 cylinders that matched, a first. I think I was flying on one steel, one channel chrome, one cermichrome, and one cerminil at the end. This shows the evolution of refurbished cylinders over time. They all worked great. The chrome cylinder apparently used a little more oil than the others, but otherwise no issues.
 
I've replaced all six in first year of ownership. Previous owner did not address things as he should have. Long story - another thread.

Five of the six cylinders were well within spec for overhaul. My problems were mainly with exhaust valve guides leaking oil. The overhaul included cylinders trued and rehoned, new valve guides, valve seats lapped, new valves, springs, etc. Add to the list new pistons, rings, and wrist pins. All is working fine now, oil consumption is withing spec now, etc.

Cost for overhaul cylinder was about 50-60% of a new one from Aircraft Spruce. Cost for removal and reinstall is the same for both.

A lot depends on the overhaul shop - I have a quality shop in my area that does great work. Took about a week and a half to get them done. If I didn't have this shop that did this quality of work, I'd have spent the money for new cylinders.
 
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