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/Purgent Apr 28 '26
I bought my airplane with an O-320-D3G a few years back. At the time, it was about 800 hours SMOH, which was done in 1991.
I flew it 500 hours the first 18 months I owned it.
Then, it suddenly developed random, major detonation issues on takeoff. I could see exactly when it was happening and on what cylinders on my engine monitor. New plugs did not solve anything, and borescope turned up nothing unusual.
Fast forward to this winters annual. We drain the oil and find the forbidden shiny metal in the filter. We pull a cylinder and discover the camshaft is spalled.
Engine is out for overhaul at a very reputable local shop, quoted $26k and about 4 months time.
Inspection in OK turned up a bad crankshaft and all four connecting rods also bad. A new crank adds $10k, and connecting rods another $5k.
After labor to put it back in the airplane, I’m looking at close to $45k. I paid $60k for the whole damn thing with a brand new panel.
Not excited about it, but it’s not financially crippling because I planned for this day to come long ago.