I want to thank you and all who work at Poplar Grove Airmotive for the wonderful overhaul that was done on my IO 550 B. I fly a 1995 Beachcraft Bonanza with a Tornado Alley Turbocharger mod. My previous engine had to be retired early with a cracked case, however, during my ownership of the previous engine I experienced numerous problems. I replaced three cylinders (under warranty) in the first two years of operation, all as a result of burnt exhaust valves. Subsequently at each oil change, the cylinders were scoped, and if the valves were starting to show, signs of distress they were lapped in place with a new rotator installed. This resulted in no more cylinder replacements, but this spoke to the poor original set up of the valves guides and seats. The silk thread used to seal the two half’s of the case together had gaps that resulted in oil leaks and might have resulted in fretting that contributed to the cracked case that eventually retired the engine.
When I came to you, I was focused on cylinders and valve alignment. I looked at rebuilders and overhaulers of a big block continentals that had good reputations. I even looked at a factory replacement engine. Some builders would not warranty an engine that had a turbocharger added to it. That eliminated those companies from consideration. After speaking with you and discussing my concerns, I felt Poplar Grove was the company I wanted to work with.
Today, when we talked, it was almost 2 years from the engine build. I have not had any issues whatsoever in the last two years and 200 hours of flying behind my Poplar Grove overhaul. Nothing has gone wrong! This week, I scoped the cylinders and all six had near perfect exhaust valves. Blackstone oil analysis also shows a very tight and clean engine with very low wear indicators. This is testament to the build quality. Again, I want to praise all who worked on my engine overhaul. I tell as many people as I can that if I were to have to have an engine redone, I would choose Poplar Grove Airmotive to do so. I have developed great confidence flying behind your engine.
All the best, Mike Murray