Engine overhaul/Replacement

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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Yomer12
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2018 4:11 am

Engine overhaul/Replacement

Post by Yomer12 »

Hi All,
I am a first time poster to this forum and was looking to see about advice/thoughts about an engine overhaul or other engine options that balance the need for an engine overhaul balanced by the cost.
Being based in Chicago. I called the area shops (ie G&N etc) they want $29,995 for the overhaul with 10-12 weeks for the job
I am looking for advice on other possible shops that overhaul the C-145-2a engine or possible solutions to our dilemma.
Thanks in advance
Tim
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dstates
Posts: 472
Joined: Sun Jun 30, 2019 5:50 pm

Re: Engine overhaul/Replacement

Post by dstates »

Poplar Grove Airmotive would be close for you...
N1235D - 1951 170A - SN: 20118
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GAHorn
Posts: 20967
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm

Re: Engine overhaul/Replacement

Post by GAHorn »

Right across the ramp from one of our Members and 170 expert shops (Mountain Airframe): http://www.menaaircraftengines.com/

Have Del Lehmann accomplish any airframe issues while your engine is being refreshed. http://www.mountainairframe.com/
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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Jim Collins
Posts: 68
Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2017 1:34 pm

Re: Engine overhaul/Replacement

Post by Jim Collins »

Tim,

There are several 170 owners in the Chicago area. Most of us have used Poplar Grove Airmotive with good results.

Best of luck

Jim Collins
C170B N2488D
based at 06C (Schaumburg)
hilltop170
Posts: 3481
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:05 pm

Re: Engine overhaul/Replacement

Post by hilltop170 »

gahorn wrote:Right across the ramp from one of our Members and 170 expert shops (Mountain Airframe): http://www.menaaircraftengines.com/

Have Del Lehmann accomplish any airframe issues while your engine is being refreshed. http://www.mountainairframe.com/
I second gahorn's recommendation!

Fly your plane to Mena, Arkansas.
Have Del Lehmann remove your engine and cart it across the ramp to Mena Aircraft Engines.
Have Del annual your plane and have him manage/coordinate with other shops any other options or repairs you might need, i.e., radio/instrument upgrades, paint, interior, sheet metal repairs, etc
Go to Mena for a couple of days and test fly your plane when ready and resolve any break-in issues that may appear while you are there
Fly your plane home completely confident with the work done
Show-off your plane to your jealous friends when you get home

No overhaul done correctly will be cheap (whatever that is) but the folks in Mena are honest and will give you the best value for your money of anyplace I know. Several members have had major restoration, rebuild, repaint, and barn-find resurrections done by Del, et al, all with excellent results and no issues that were not gladly resolved.
Last edited by hilltop170 on Fri Jan 24, 2020 7:13 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Richard Pulley
2014-2016 TIC170A Past President
1951 170A, N1715D, s/n 20158, O-300D
Owned from 1973 to 1984.
Bought again in 2006 after 22 years.
It's not for sale!
Yomer12
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2018 4:11 am

Re: Engine overhaul/Replacement

Post by Yomer12 »

Thank you all for the feedback! It is much appreciated. I am waiting a call back from the engine shop in Mena.
I will check with Poplar Grove but I heard they are pretty pricey.
Thanks again
Tim
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