Ill admit to being 100% absorbed by this stupid engine right now. Taking all the internals to the machine shop tomorrow. Hopefully that will allow me to focus on some other things that have been slipping for the past week or so.
FFS. I need a new hobby.
- Thread starter Jim K
- Start date
455 Bravo Uniform
Final Approach
I get absorbed in stuff like this, enough to regret some of it in hindsight. Mine are grown. Don’t be me.
It wasn't. All i got from him was the log book sticker and the 8130. I wasn't too worried about it, because as a 145 CRS he's required to keep those records, so if there's an AD or something, he should have it. It never occurred to me that he simply wouldn't replace the stuff he said he did. It might be interesting to ask for it now. Seems like a good job for the FSDO.
Woke up at 4 AM; had a thought. Writing it here because this thread is turning into my notebook of everything airworx screwed me on so I can go back later and refer to it.
Remembered that besides the idler shaft repair, we also needed the engine inspected because it ran with 0 oil pressure for 10 minutes. Inspecting the rod bearings should've been part of that. Rod bolts should've been changed as should've the bearings when taken apart.
I was planning to take this engine to at least 3000 smoh based on the thought i had new bearings in it. In the end it's probably a blessing he repaired the idler so poorly that it exposed the rest of his errors and omissions.
Remembered that besides the idler shaft repair, we also needed the engine inspected because it ran with 0 oil pressure for 10 minutes. Inspecting the rod bearings should've been part of that. Rod bolts should've been changed as should've the bearings when taken apart.
I was planning to take this engine to at least 3000 smoh based on the thought i had new bearings in it. In the end it's probably a blessing he repaired the idler so poorly that it exposed the rest of his errors and omissions.
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Are you sending your old case to divco as a core? If the fsdo talks to him, he'll blame the failed repair on something else going on with the case. He already has. If it were me I'd take that ammunition away from him even if it costs some to have them go over it with a fine toothed comb.
They are doing an advance exchange, so I'll send the core back in their shipping box.
texasclouds
En-Route
FWIW, Airworx refurbished by O-300 in 2022 and the logbook sticker specifically lists every part number including the bearings.
My only gripe with them/him was calling me at the 3 month mark to tell me at final assembly he found that his machinist had turned the crank down below limits and I needed a $9500 used crank. The machining was done the first month. That information and needing to sprayweld the magnesium sump for $1500 would have probably sent me in another direction looking for a used serviceable unit. Considering how simple these engines are, next time I will do the work under the guidance of an A/P. Along with removal/installation I spent some serious coin on my little C170.
My engine has been running great but leaks oil more than I like. Just installed some REAL silicone head gaskets to see if that helps. Already has the REAL pushrod tubes (Airworx kindly included these to make up for the snafu).
Checkout my 0 SMOH oil fill cap…
My only gripe with them/him was calling me at the 3 month mark to tell me at final assembly he found that his machinist had turned the crank down below limits and I needed a $9500 used crank. The machining was done the first month. That information and needing to sprayweld the magnesium sump for $1500 would have probably sent me in another direction looking for a used serviceable unit. Considering how simple these engines are, next time I will do the work under the guidance of an A/P. Along with removal/installation I spent some serious coin on my little C170.
My engine has been running great but leaks oil more than I like. Just installed some REAL silicone head gaskets to see if that helps. Already has the REAL pushrod tubes (Airworx kindly included these to make up for the snafu).
Checkout my 0 SMOH oil fill cap…
He turned it down that far to remove damage, or he screwed up and expected you to pay for his mistake?
It's a minute gripe in the grand scheme of my problems, but I noticed on mine he only used one strand of silk thread, as opposed to the two it shows in the instructions. No corner goes uncut, it would seem.
baboss
Pre-takeoff checklist
I just realized this is the same shop that's all over the O300 Facebook group posting about their new approvals for engine work often. DLC for lifters, STC for increased power output on O300's, etc. I had high hopes for them. Can't wait to read about the early adopter's experiences...
@Jim K , it's a shame the UofI shop isn't still around @ KCMI. I have machine shop invoices from the late 90's when my engine was torn down and specs were being checked. Sure would be nice to have a shop that close for this work. I also need to become better friends with Jim S like you! I'd heard maybe he does side work out of Paxton? but I'm not that close with him. My experience with him at the FBO GA shop has been excellent and I've spent a bit of money with them over the last couple of years.
@Jim K , it's a shame the UofI shop isn't still around @ KCMI. I have machine shop invoices from the late 90's when my engine was torn down and specs were being checked. Sure would be nice to have a shop that close for this work. I also need to become better friends with Jim S like you! I'd heard maybe he does side work out of Paxton? but I'm not that close with him. My experience with him at the FBO GA shop has been excellent and I've spent a bit of money with them over the last couple of years.
He's great. Very willing to let me/ help me do stuff myself. He actually worked in the U of I engine shop before they closed it and then move over to Flightstar. He does moonlight in his own shop up in Paxton, but you have to have a lot of patience to go that route because he usually only works up there on Saturdays. We'll probably build my engine up there.
If you ever need a ride back to bmi from cmi (or 1c1), hit me up.
baboss
Pre-takeoff checklist
Get that AMT Logbook and fill that sucker out! I've been logging all my performed maintenance because you never know...
I love that he's helping you out. Those A&P's are worth their weight in gold!
Thanks and same same on the ride if you ever need one, you're used to slumming in Skyhawks
texasclouds
En-Route
Story goes his (former) machinist had to turn it down to remove damage. I will never know if that is true, but what I was upset about was not telling me that it was unusable way back when they first tore it apart. He was having employee problems at the time from what I understand. To make up for the situation, he did give me the part at cost (from a vendor). I appreciated that. And that’s why I thought maybe you could reason with him to get yours fixed at minimal cost.
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Albany Tom
Is it just me, or does the build part of this thread remind people of a Ted's building the bus thread? In a good way. That, or an episode of Scooby Doo.
Either way, we're rootin' for you.
Either way, we're rootin' for you.