Fly it till it wont pass inspection, TBO is an imaginary line,
Thanks for the advice. I know the TBO is a number. Some wonder why I don't just put new pistons and cylinders on the engine? A very simple explanation is that I want to keep my insurance in effect. My policy calls for following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance procedures. Without a complete tear down and inspection I don't know the condition of the camshaft, lifters or crankshaft. If I rebuild only the top end, the bottom end is subjected to stronger forces and a potential failure. If I were in an accident, the insurance company would look for a way to deny my claim. What better way to deny a claim than "Not following the manufacturer's maintenance procedures. I have been flying safely for 53 years by following the recommended maintenance procedures for my airplanes. I am not about to jeopardize my life by not following the proper procedures. I did that once when I was much younger and had a plane that was over TBO and recently passed an annual. 12 flight hours later it turned into a glider.
