As many may know, I had a prop strike requiring an engine teardown and inspection.  The engine was constructed by Performance  Engines of La Verne (Los Angeles) which maintains a web site but does not answer the phone nor return emails.  Recall I earlier had forged high compression pistons that were installed with stock clearances rather than the larger clearances required to accommodate the forging alloy.  They rubbed and had to be replaced and the cylinders replated. 

 

Now I find that the engine was assembled with a lot of barely serviceable parts probably dredged from the old parts bin. 

 

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you other Performance Engines customers need to watch your machine carefully, and be prepared for some possible surprises when overhaul time comes around.

 

Stock Continental engines have MUCH to recommend them.

 

Fred Moreno

 

Defects Requiring Rectification

 

• The right hand crankcase is cracked between the alternator attachment pad and No# 5 cylinder base. This maybe weld repairable or a new / another crankcase may need to be sourced.

 

• The oil sump requires weld repair, various dents, one significant chaff, and the thickness of the metal where it has been modified around the drain hole is extremely thin.

 

• Oil filter stud is the old style and needs to be replaced to incorporate the new style
• The starter shaft is worn beyond manufactures limits, requires new shaft as it is already at the last regrindable limit.
• The starter worm gear is worn beyond manufactures limits, requires new gear as it is already at the last regrindable limit.
• The starter worm shaft is excessively worn / splayed at the starter motor engagement end requires a new or serviceable shaft.
• The alternator face gear has wear / pitting on the teeth, requires new or serviceable gear.
• The connecting rods require overhaul, as the big end tunnel bore is oval and stretched.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Ben