Turbo Arrow TBO

[BennyMarsh]

I am looking at a cream-puff 1982 Turbo Arrow IV to buy. It has 1400hrs on the engine, but it is just out of a fresh annual where it had been top-overhauled. I expect to fly about 70hrs per annum. Am I dreaming that this engine will reach 1800hrs TBO?

Our climate hear in the UK is cold and damp outwith summer. Would an engine preheater (ie hot air blower) be a good idea under the cowling before start (to reduce cold-start engine wear) or is it not worth bothering with? The plane would be parked outside under covers.

Thanks for your replies......

[Denny of Oakland]

To answer your question top overhauls should only be done when needed on the diagnosis of a competent mechanic. It is unfortunate that people spend money needlessly on a top overhaul.

If the new, rebuilt, or overhauled engine starts its TBO cycle with new cylinders and is treated to proper operation, good maintenance, and frequent flight, it should reach the recommended TBO without a top overhaul along the way. An overhauled engine that has reconditioned cylinders is not necessarily a candidate for a top overhaul, but it is very likely that it will require cylinder replacement before the recommended TBO is reached.

I would not recommend a heater as it will cause condensation to form in the engine causing rust. Heaters are used in very cold climates mostly for the oil. If the outside temperature is below freezing then a pre-heater may be a good idea.

Denny of Oakland