This Forum is a place for Piper Comanche pilots to communicate and discuss technical issues
If you join or reset a password, please check your Spam Email box for emails from Admin at ComancheTechTalk.com
Please put your questions on the forum as well so everyone can read and respond. Someone else might be having similar questions.
All questions or topics on the Forums automatically get sent to the Tech team as well.
While searching the internet, I don't see a lot of information on these engines. One overhaul site talks of 'factory supported' engines and doesn't list the C1A. Are there any issues with getting reman/factory overhauled engines with the turbo?
Lycoming has the IO320-C1A engines. Lycoming will sell you a Zero-time engine or Zero-time your engine for you. An engine shop can overhaul these engines to new factory limits but cannot Zero-Time the engines. Also field overhauls are available. Lycoming is the only entity that can Zero-time the engine.
RAJAY turbo parts are available from RAJAY Turbo. I cannot tell you what a turbo overhaul costs today since mine were overhauled a number of years ago. I did replace the V-BANDS 2 years ago and they were not inexpensive but I will probably never have to replace them again. There are a few ADs on the turbo-chargers, including the hoses. As I mentioned previously, I personally would not own this aircraft if it were not turbo-charged. Turbo-charging will increase your maintenance costs due to ADs and obvious wear and tear on the turbos, but for my needs the positives out way the additional cost.
As far as engine overhauls, I could not tell you what the market cost is today, since I have not been pricing overhauls for a number of years. In addition, the cost to remove and reinstall the engine varies depending on who does the work and what part of the country the work is performed in. Keep in mind, when you overhaul an engine, generally accessories are overhauled at the same time, which adds additional cost.
My availability to talk by phone is best in the afternoons. We are on MST here in AZ.
Jeff
Thanks, Jeff. I may not be able to call for a couple weeks - I am buried trying to get out on a vacation! Thank you for your insights and I look forward to our discussion