The International Cessna^® 170 Association

I have 9 used O-300 (C-145) cylinders. Six came off an engine that sat for 10 years and three off my current engine. I don’t know anything about the 6, the three that I replaced had one with low compression, one with a bad leak at the case and one with a loose spark plug thread insert. Do these have any value to be overhauled? Should I scrap them, take them to the aero-mart at Oshkosh, call an overhaul shop to sell them???

I’m ready to get them out of my garage.

Doug

Here is a picture showing the 6 from an engine I’m overhauling.

Some of the “old time” cylinder shops still “re-build/overhaul” used cyls. You might try calling J&J in Pleasanton, Tx to see if they still do it…or if they know who does. When “repairable” cyls are submitted they have a “CORE” value, however in most cases the person making the submission is also the person desiring them back in repaired condition…. Few shops will buy used cyls anymore except in So. America.

They DO make interesting table-lamp bases when electrified and shades installed on them.

I think there is an AD for “old” cylinders identified by a specific part number which essentially says they can remain in service but once removed cannot be reinstalled or rebuilt and must be destroyed. I believe this AD was prompted by failures of the rocker arm boss.

I had a cylinder subject to that. Got stuck (literally) in PA. Stuck valve. Left the plane with mechanics on the field and rented a car. Instead of repairing it on the engine by dropping the valve and reaming the guide, they took the cylinder off and sent it to Columbia Engines. They sold me an overhauled cylinder and broke mine into little pieces before returning it. I did ask for the old one back, but I kind of expected it to be in one piece.

I'm not aware of this AD.

Richgj3 wrote: ↑Mon May 05, 2025 11:05 pm I think there is an AD for “old” cylinders identified by a specific part number which essentially says they can remain in service but once removed cannot be reinstalled or rebuilt and must be destroyed. I believe this AD was prompted by failures of the rocker arm boss.

I had a cylinder subject to that. Got stuck (literally) in PA. Stuck valve. Left the plane with mechanics on the field and rented a car. Instead of repairing it on the engine by dropping the valve and reaming the guide, they took the cylinder off and sent it to Columbia Engines. They sold me an overhauled cylinder and broke mine into little pieces before returning it. I did ask for the old one back, but I kind of expected it to be in one piece.

They should not have broken it up without your permission….it was still YOUR property. They more correctly should have “red tagged” it and returned it to you.

I got into a heated discussion with Jordan Propellor in SAT when they stamped “UNAIRWORTHY” on the hub of my Aeronca prop which I’d taken to them for re-pitch.
After the argument concluded… they shipped a brand-new McCauley to me free of charge.

I and my IA made that case to Columbia but it fell on deaf ears. After speaking with friends who work in our FSDO I decided I had better things to do. An IA in Chicago I know claimed those cylinders could be repaired and reused. I don’t think that’s true. FSDO here didn’t think so. So even if I got a red tagged cylinder, I have enough lamps now.

I will see if I can find the text of that AD. I know it came sometime after the 1990’s. My ex 170 still has four of them on it.

The AD is 95-05-05R1

So, the truth lies somewhere in between. In short, if the cylinder is removed it must go though the inspection specified and if it passes (looks to me to be the kind of thing that cannot be done in your garage) in can be reused. If I fails (cracks in rocker boss and or worn rocker boss) repairs can be made but after repairs it sounds like you have to repeat the complete inspection process. I guess it comes down to time and money.

I think I got cross ways with Columbia when I asked for my old cylinder back and I didn’t buy a new millenium cylinder from them. I think I was being “taught a lesson”. I leaned a few things. One is Columbia has a very good reputation or not so good, depending to whom one speaks. They Majored a TSIO 540 for my hangar mate last year and did a great job. It’s in a Saratoga that flies 300hrs a year. Others who have had smaller interaction have been less than thrilled. Like me. C’est la vie.

I was aware of the AD requiring inspection of the rocker pin boss. These can be overhauled, I just didn't know if anyone was still doing it.

Sounds like there is no core value with these 9 cylinders. I'll probably just scrap them.

Doug

I went thru this with removed cylinders during a top overhaul. My initial plan was to have them reworked. The rework shop inspected them and said the cost of rework was significantly higher than purchasing new cylinders.

So, 6 new cylinders.

The bottom line of my comment is: The part (cylinder or prop or whatever) remains the property of the owner. No one has “authority” to destroy someone else’s property without permission. It sounds as if “Columbia” was hell-bent and determined that cylinder was never going to be repaired or reused and they took what could be determined illegal action…. but the owner would have to be willing to spend money to win the argument over an unairworthy part.

No one likes a “bully”.