BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Sep 2010, 02:10

Al,

You should get at least two more years from your engine. This will give you plenty of time to think on suggestions here.

I will go outside the others recommendation. IF...see, that is a big if...IF you have a compatible 3-blade propeller go with a NEW IO-550, using the expensive STC from D'Shannon. If you don't have their baffles buy them also. Percentage-wise it is not a lot of money to go with new. With all new parts you can do a Western Skyways (or other) overhaul in ten~twenty years, then another after that.

A new engine will probably last a lifetime with a couple of overhauls, even if you are a young man.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 06 Sep 2010, 10:05

Username Protected wrote:

Thanks for that advice Joe. I have concerns about future unleaded fuels and their effect on higher horsepower engines. Because of that I inclined to stick with my IO520 and maybe at turbo mormalizing to it.

I sure appreciate your input.

Al Aitken

Hi Al-

I can't think of any reason why the IO550 would be any more sensitive to lower octane fuels than the IO520. The compression ratios are the same.

Regarding your original question, I agree with other posters about having your known-quantity engine rebuilt by a quality overhaul shop. As usual, I think Joe Sasser gave you excellent advice regarding the IO550 conversion.

Regards,

Bob

New to BeechTalk...in Virginia