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Janitrol Heater Rebuild
I bought my twinco in Florida and knew it had a red tagged heater system. In Florida heat is easy to do without but I'm in Boston now and it's serious business. Initially I had budgeted about $2500 for the rebuild itself, including shipping. As you can see I missed it...by a lot!
Heater s/n1670715 modified to a 20D35-1....$1800
Blower.......................................................$0
Motor, OHC ................................................$450
Labor.........................................................$90
Regulator, new, with exchange......................$750
Shipping......................................................$85
Grand Total.....$3125 for the actual heater rebuild itself
The rebuild was completed by Aircraft Heating and Electrical, Inc. out of Redding, CA.
When I mentioned the final cost was well over the quote they reminded me that the blower motor is a separate system from the typical heater rebuild. I also learned that the regulator, once inop, can't be rebuilt per the FAA so a new one, built in 2002 or later, I believe, was required. Also I should mention the modification included a new ceramic heater can, avoiding the expensive testing required regularly. To the company's credit, they did give me a $250 goodwill credit when I asked for sticker shock relief. It was much appreciated and left me with a very positive impression. Their quote actually was accurate, my understanding of what was included in the modification was not.
I estimate for labor to uninstall old unit, ship, test new mod and re-install is about $700. All in all, at least for me, this was a $4k fix. But hey, at 10k feet and in the middle of a New England winter..the heat is priceless.
Hopefully this is helpful to the next Comanche owner who's considering this repair.
Randy Johnson- Posts: 176
- Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2011 1:57 am
- Location: Boston Area (BEV)
Re: Janitrol Heater Rebuild
Anybody used Lockhaven?
Steen
- steen
- ICS member
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- Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2004 3:24 am
- Location: Palatine, Il. USA
Re: Janitrol Heater Rebuild
Patricia Jayne (Pat) Keefer ICS 08899
PA-39 #10 Texas
N3322G- ICS member
- Posts: 1911
- Joined: Thu May 08, 2008 1:58 pm
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas area
Re: Janitrol Heater Rebuild
Steen
PS what was your overhaul cost?
- steen
- ICS member
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- Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2004 3:24 am
- Location: Palatine, Il. USA
Re: Janitrol Heater Rebuild
Now run by Harold Haskins Jr. I found him to be extremely knowledgeable. Ours was a few years back and I chose the get-rid-of-the-ADs route so I have less downtime during annuals so didn't do O/H and don't recall pricing.
Patricia Jayne (Pat) Keefer ICS 08899
PA-39 #10 Texas
N3322G- ICS member
- Posts: 1911
- Joined: Thu May 08, 2008 1:58 pm
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas area