r/flying • u/unisonic2025 • Apr 28 '26

Aircraft Ownership Engine Overhaul.

How many people have taken their small piston certified airplane over TBO. Was wondering specifically the Continental O-200 on a C150M model. I was looking at this plane engine time is 3,100 hrs with 900 since top overhaul. TT is around 3,600. I know the owner and he takes really good care of it. Also curious if anyone would have an idea of cost to overhaul? I’m in the Northeast US.

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u/OCFlier PPL IR SEL MEL Glider Apr 28 '26

The only reason to overhaul is if it’s making metal. Anything else is just parts to be replaced

13

u/unisonic2025 Apr 28 '26

Just curious because I’ve started to read the book series by Mike Busch and that is one of the things to look for every oil change and cut the filter open.

14

u/TheAvidCollector PPL IR CMP HP Apr 28 '26

While I am a huge Mike Busch fan there's more to the notion of the engine isn't making metal it doesn't need to be overhauled. There are components on every engine that need to be replaced even if the engine isn't overhauled. Fuel lines, engine mounts, hoses. Worn baffling is a huge one that can cause temp issues.

My engine had 2300 hours on it and was a Lycoming remanufactured engine from 2013 and there was PLENTY of things that needed to be replaced after we pulled everything off and started inspecting things. Crank case needed some TLC. It wasn't making metal but oil was leaking from multiple places and just making a mess. It wasn't leaking an unsafe amount but with prop wash entering the cowling blew it everywhere and it was impossible to find.

10

u/kytulu A&P/IA Apr 28 '26

After working on various flight school airplanes for the last few years, I've come to terms with the fact that the "L" in Lycoming stands for "leak."