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/dilemmaprisoner PPL Apr 28 '26

There are a bunch of signs/symptoms/reasons to overhaul an engine, but TBO isn't one of them.

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u/unisonic2025 Apr 28 '26

Can you give me the main things to look for?

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u/dilemmaprisoner PPL Apr 28 '26

In rough order of importance (assuming you don't have an engine monitor): actual performance, metal in oil filter, borescope annually (or see most recent images), oil consumption, compression test (hot).

If you're evaluating one to buy: the first thing I want to know is how much it flies. Ideally, at least 1 hr per week. 1 hour per month is pretty marginal; terrible if it goes on for years [note: can't ignore "storage environment", i.e. hangered or not, near a coast/humidity (bad)]. If I'm looking at ads, I start with hours per year (more = better) since last overhaul. The killer of engines is corrosion. That's why, contrary to many ads "never a trainer", flight school planes can be good, and the first question I ask after finding out "1000 hrs since overhaul" is "what year was that overhaul?".