Has anybody else had crankcase cracking problems. Sounds like they may not be any better than the light ones.
"....when it was torn down, my engine looked much as he would expect of a big-bore Continental run to TBO and beyond. The lifters had some spalling; the oil cooler was rejected because of a crack; and the starter adapter shaft and gear were worn beyond limits—all common findings. However, one important and expensive part didn’t pass muster: the crankcase. After cleaning and upon inspection, Pinnacle discovered a crack that was not repairable. Cha ching! An overhauled case added $6,500 to the bill. The original was a “heavy” case—as opposed to earlier models with thinner cases. The thicker, heavier cases were introduced to reduce cracking, but Kuti says they see a fair amount of cracking of heavy cases. It may be too much of a good thing, he suggests: the heavier cases don’t flex under stress, which may lead to cracks. Nonetheless, that is still the recommended case."
"....when it was torn down, my engine looked much as he would expect of a big-bore Continental run to TBO and beyond. The lifters had some spalling; the oil cooler was rejected because of a crack; and the starter adapter shaft and gear were worn beyond limits—all common findings. However, one important and expensive part didn’t pass muster: the crankcase. After cleaning and upon inspection, Pinnacle discovered a crack that was not repairable. Cha ching! An overhauled case added $6,500 to the bill. The original was a “heavy” case—as opposed to earlier models with thinner cases. The thicker, heavier cases were introduced to reduce cracking, but Kuti says they see a fair amount of cracking of heavy cases. It may be too much of a good thing, he suggests: the heavier cases don’t flex under stress, which may lead to cracks. Nonetheless, that is still the recommended case."
