The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Just had and engine rebuild done on my o300 and the bill seems kinda high (19600.00) That included a new in the box crank and new milinium cyldrs. the rest was able to have been rebuilt. The engine shop that did the rebuild is Mena Aircraft Engines. I was just wondering if this is an over the top price or is it fair?

tailpilot wrote:Just had and engine rebuild done on my o300 and the bill seems kinda high (19600.00)

Yes. But.....

tailpilot wrote:I was just wondering if this is an over the top price or is it fair?

You paid about the going price. Had mine done in 1998 for about $15,500 which did not include a new crank but did include other goodies which whould amount to about the same value.

The days of the six thousand dollar rebuild are long gone. I paid around 18,000-19,000 for a rebuild with new Titans, rebuilt cam, rebuilt carb (no trade in), new mags, new hoses, new scat tubing, rebuilt prop, etc (basically a firewall forward). I did as much removal and installation maintenance as I could under the supervision of my mechanic. The engine rebuild itself came out at around $14,500. I have heard crank prices in the vicinity of $4,500 or so. I believe what you quote is in the ballpark. What drives up a rebuild are the discoveries of nonserviceable items, there is no way you can go into a rebuild knowing everything that will need to be replaced. I was holding my breath with regards to the inspection of the crank, knowing that it could be a high dollar item, I lucked out.
David

new crank Brand new? where did you get it?

Sean, I got a rebuild from Western Skyways last year for 19.900. No new crank needed but they had a very good warrantee and took my O300A as a like and kind core for a first run O300D.

I had my 0300D rebuilt by Robert Smith of Mena Aircraft Engines in Mena, AR several years ago and evidently he hasn't increased his prices by much if any. A lot of pilots around the country will confirm not only does he do a superior job but probably one of the best in the South. I have visited his shop on numerous occasions and you would swear they were performing surgery in there! Meticulous and spotless. He strictly goes by the book and has an impeccable reputation.

By the way, I am not related to him either.

Sean
I just had an overhaul done by Custom Airmotive in Tulsa. $15,500 was base price for 0300's with new cylinders,Mags, wires and rebuilt Carb. $3900 additional if crank was needed. Sounds like you are in the ballpark. I Shopped alot and found plenty of shops that were higher.
Mark Harwood
1949 9183A

Hey thanks for all of the replies on the cost of my engine rebuild.

I feel much better knowing that I am in the ballpark. Also I feel good knowing that Robert at Mena does good work, He has been very very helpful on the phone. Hope to get my plane back soon.

tailpilot wrote:Just had and engine rebuild done on my o300 and the bill seems kinda high (19600.00)

Seems high to me. I did Ken Bixlers C-145-A for pocket change under $12k. using 6 new ECIs, 2 new mags, and a skytech starter mod. reground cam kit, 12 new hydraulic lifter units, rod and main bearings, crank flange replated and crank polished, and inspected, 2 new accessory gears, thru bolt kit, new baffeling, and a oil filter added.

I think $19K is definitely on the high end. They sure as hell didn't lose any money at that price. I'd almost bet that someone had a boat payment due.

BL, I always seem to pick the slowest line a Walmart too!