DA40NG TBO question:

[JOhnH]

A friend is considering purchasing a 2014 Diamond DA40NG. I wish it were, me but the price is out of my range. He is having 2nd thoughts because he read that the Diesel Engine does not have an established TBO. Rather, they state it should be replaced every 12 years. I have read that Continental/Lycoming also have the 12 year rule, but I have never heard of anyone actually replacing an engine due to 12 years if the engine is running ok.

Should he be concerned about an upcoming $100K engine replacement?

 

[Bell206]

Should he be concerned about an upcoming $100K engine replacement?

Is the 12 year replacement listed in the approved Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance manual?

 

[MountainDude]

$100K?

 

[JOhnH]

$100K?

That was just off the top of my head since I have no idea what a diesel costs, but it is more rare than most lyCons so I figured it cost more.
Surely you don't think that was the important part of my post.

 

[JOhnH]

Is the 12 year replacement listed in the approved Airworthiness Limitations Section of the maintenance manual?

I don't know. I am repeating what the guy that is contemplating this purchase reported. It took him by surprise and I asked him if he verified that. I also told him that I remember hearing that LyCons also "recommend" OH after TBO or 12 years.

 

[TCABM]

For Part 91, TBO is purely a recommendation. Now, nobody can overhaul an AE300 except Austro, who has an exchange program for eligible s/n engines. The Diamond type club mentions an installed, exchange AE300 is running $85-90K.

 

[Bell206]

I don't know.

Have your friend go to the Diamond site and download a free mx manual. Check the Airworthiness Limitations Section for this. May also want to find same for the specific engine installed in that aircraft.

I don't know Diamonds at all however believe there were two different diesels at one time? If the 12 month is not listed on the ALS then it's probably like every other engine out there and only a recommendation.

For Part 91, TBO is purely a recommendation.

True in most cases. But have been noticing lately on newer models and even on newer variants the OEMs have been adding mx tasks/inspections to the the ALS that were never there in earlier models. Had a friend get caught on this with a new variant of a IO-390 that listed 500 and 1000 hour inspect tasks in the ALS.

 

[TCABM]

….True in most cases. But have been noticing lately on newer models and even on newer variants the OEMs have been adding mx tasks/inspections to the the ALS that were never there in earlier models. Had a friend get caught on this with a new variant of a IO-390 that listed 500 and 1000 hour inspect tasks in the ALS.

Interesting; the other potential is if there’s a life limit somewhere in Austro’s or Diamond’s documentation.

Finally, for the OP’s buddy, any plane can need an overhaul tomorrow; that’s just the way the ball bounces.

 

[aggiepack]

The DA40 is a gorgeous aircraft, one of the best if not the best GA aircraft ever designed.

But: Maintaining a DA40 by the book is a pricey adventure.

The good thing with Diamond: all manuals are available at no charge.

Service & Support

Choose the right partner for your aircraft maintenance! Diamond Authorized Service Centres are factory trained, they stock service parts and have the special tools and knowledge to provide quick and efficient expert service and warranty repair.

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Any potential buyer of an NG should have in mind that there is a gearbox to maintain that can be a money pit. And there are some G1000 variants out there which can create a lot headache.

There is a reason why flight schools avoid the Thielert / Austro Diesel variants. They simply make financially no sense if Avgas is available in the region of operation.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

I've looked at the operating manuals, maintenance manuals, and type certificate data sheets for both the airplane and the engine and I can't find anything that states TBO/TBR is a limitation and is required.

Now, I might be missing something, but it doesn't seem like the engine replacement is a requirement.

 

[JOhnH]

I've looked at the operating manuals, maintenance manuals, and type certificate data sheets for both the airplane and the engine and I can't find anything that states TBO/TBR is a limitation and is required.

Now, I might be missing something, but it doesn't seem like the engine replacement is a requirement.

That was my question and my point of posting.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

The DA40 is a gorgeous aircraft, one of the best if not the best GA aircraft ever designed.

That is for sure. It ranks very high in safety, fun to fly, visibility from the cockpit, and sex appeal. If I'm ever in the position to be shopping for a fixed-gear, non-HP single again, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Diamond.

But: Maintaining a DA40 by the book is a pricey adventure.

I disagree - In spite of doing all of the optional inspections (pulling the wings off every 1000 hours and such), the DA40 (180hp Lycoming IO-360-M1A version) cost us about 40% less to maintain than an Archer, and that was in a club environment where we were going through an overly high number of tires and brakes because people didn't use the rudder as well as they should since our other planes had steerable nosewheels.

Yes, there are things that can cost you money that an Archer doesn't have, and occasionally it'll take an extra day or three for parts to clear customs, but overall it was a highly reliable airplane with very reasonable maintenance costs.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

That was my question and my point of posting.

I wouldn't bet my life on my answer... I would suggest your friend join the Diamond Pilots Association and the DiamondAviators.net forums for a more reliable answer from people who actually own the NG. My own experience is with the Lycoming version.

 

[JOhnH]

I wouldn't bet my life on my answer... I would suggest your friend join the Diamond Pilots Association and the DiamondAviators.net forums for a more reliable answer from people who actually own the NG. My own experience is with the Lycoming version.

I believe he already is. He is the one giving me the information. I am the one questioning it. He may be right. I just don't' know. That is why I asked here.

 

[Bell206]

I've looked at the operating manuals, maintenance manuals, and type certificate data sheets for both the airplane and the engine and I can't find anything that states TBO/TBR is a limitation and is required.

In general, the only place you'll find mandatory maintenance tasks or life limits is under an approved Airworthiness Limitations Section by rule. Checking both the Diamond 40 ALS and the Thielert/Austro ALS does not list the 12 year replacement that I can find. Unfortunately, many people believe if an OEM states a requirement is mandatory it must be complied with. However, only the FAA can make that determination via the ALS per 91.403(c) and 43.16.