Pre-buy results (in addition to the ones posted a few hrs ago):
AIRWORTHINESS ISSUES
1. The #1 cylinder is almost toast. Compression test was 61/80. That's obviously a big hitter since new ones are $700 + labor. The mechanic told me he wouldn't worry about it since it was a very cold test. Said it may just be a lead deposit on the valve or something. I don't share his optimism. It could be, but with 650 SMOH, it's more likely the rings/seats. #2 cylinder isn't far behind (of course, the other one in the back). Compression was mid-60s. #3/4 were 74. I think I could nurse #1 a bit longer. It was 30 deg F when they did the cold leak test. Small displacement cylinders shouldn't be leaking that much though I don't think. Wouldn't bother me at all if it was a big Cont, but it's not. What do you think?
Just my opinion and I'm no mechanic but I thought Differential compression tests should be done on a hot or at least
warm engine. Did the mechanic try to see were the air was leaking from? Out the exaust or carb?
2. The bolts, nuts (and likely the bushings and bearings) in the HT hinge are rusted and not the correct parts. This is most definitely an airworthy issue. The bolts/nuts are $1.25 each, bearings are $15.80, bushings are $18.20. Four of each are needed plus 1-1.5 hrs labor. Cost to replace would be $228.50.
I would try to get the seller to pay for this, as you have.
3. No record of prop at all except in airframe book #1 (a LONG time ago). No mention of it since then. I would think the prop needs to be overhauled ($500-650)? Opinions? The mechanic said it looked fine, but again, no logs.
A lot of times the prop info is kept in the Airframe or Engine log and not in a log of it's own. And often they are
ignored unless a nick or other damage is found on a preflight inspection. As I understand you would need to have the prop pulled and at least inspected for Canada rules. Now would be a good time for an overhaul.
4. The wings are corroded some as mentioned above. He suggested I do something about it to stop any progression.
Just how bad is this corrosion? Just a light white powdery substance or something worse? Unlike Carl I like corrosion-X
and would treat the insides with it, BUT only if you are not planing on painting the plane in the next 5 years.
OTHER ISSUES NOT NECESSARILY AIRWORTHY, BUT OF CONCERN:
1. The engine valve covers are original. The logs say the cylinders were replaced with Millennium cylinder set. The full cylinder sets come with valve covers. This has me questioning the logs some. Are the pistons really new? I have no way of knowing. Millennium valve covers say "Millennium" on them. These say Continental. Not the end of the world since they've got over 600 hrs, but...
There must be other ways to tell if they are the Millennium Cylinders other than the valve covers. I would guess that someone the mechanic knew needed the new valve covers more than the owner that bought the new cylinders. Even if the cylinders had the new valve covers on them you wouldn't know if the pistons are new or not.
2. The wheel pants are not authorized for that aircraft. It has the old model ones as someone here already pointed out. Doubt anyone would notice though.
I would just remove them from the plane, take them home, hang them on the wall in the garage and take them down only to give to the next owner.
Anyway, these are just my opnions for what their worth.
Good luck with your purchase.
Ron
![[Linked Image from visitedstatesmap.com]](https://www.visitedstatesmap.com/image/CTILINIAMEMANHNJNYOHPARIVTWVsm.jpg)
