Question regarding the O-235-C1

[Robert D]

Good Day All,
Am not a Champ, Citabria or Decathlon owner. Mine is a PA12.. But have a question which I hope you can help me with.
My engine is shot and needs an overhaul. The overhaul shop says it doesn't make financial sense. Plus it's a -C2C which is not covered by the TCDS.
In my "Piper" circles everybody seems to recommend me away from the -C1 and towards the O-320 mod which I don't want.
Prefer to leave this vintage plane it is original configuration and looks.
I see that the -C1 is very common in your planes.
How is the general consensus about parts availability for the -C1. Still OK?
And any recommendation where to go for a rebuilt or overhauled unit?
Thanks in advnace for your thoughts.
Cheers
Robert
BTW - The plane is C-reg and in Collingwood Ontario.

 

[Pburns]

Hello Robert,

Not sure how helpful I can be, but I just had one rebuilt after a prop strike. The crank came out of one that was being replaced by a O-320. Cams are readily available. Sounds like pistons & rings are getting tougher. We did come up with three overhauled jugs (I had one that came with the plane) and rings, but the ring sets were I believe $600 each ( I really don't want to go back and look at the invoice if I can help it...) Talking to the shop, it sounds like some parts are getting harder to find, but still out there. He did say, if I plan on flying it to TBO, which would be quite a few years from now, I should start looking for O-320's.

Pete

 

[Bartman]

Not sure about overhaul and parts but the advice given to me when I had the 7ECA was to fly it often and not baby it. Great engine but don’t let it sit!