The International Cessna^® 170 Association

My engine O-300a is now at western skyways, colorado for a major overhaul. Their standard quote included the repair of the old cylinders but have given me the option to install new eci's for $100 each or 600 total for exchange. My cylinders are repairable but first run from original. It only has 1200 hours on it since new and I just decided to overhaul due to age, 52 years is a long time. What do you recommend? Exchange or repair? Should I change my generator to an alternator?

Thanks,

Alvin Sandoval
RP-C399
Philippines

Go for the new ones! At only a hundred bucks extra per cylinder,to me it's a no brainer. You might be able to sell of your original cylinders to another 170 owner or maybe to a cylinder overhaul shop,as overhaulable cores or spares.
Which generator do you have? If it is a 35 amp model,I'd probably keep it. Maybe even if it was a 25 amper. I have a 60 amp alternator on mine but I think that's overkill. If somebody made a small light 35-or-so amp alternator,I think that'd be the way to go.

Eric

I went with new ECI cylinders. I will mention I did have some exhaust valve problems not once but twice within the first 150 hours... it was covered both times even though the second time was after warranty. First time the airplane was flown back to overhaulers and repaired under warranty. Second time it was at home FBO and ECI paid for the shop labor and I sent cylinder back to overhaulers. I installed a 50amp alternater and the overhauler installed a B&C push button starter. The alternater in nice as I had a 25 amp generator before. I love the starter it spins the engine over very nicely. I could probable taxi around aways on the starter Very happy with both.
Curtis

I would go with ECI. The last superior cylinder that I pulled for guide problems I replaced the guide with an ECI guide per repair shop recommendations.

Joe
4518C

I suspect the $100 increase is including an exchange allowance for the old cylinders, so selling them to someone else is probably not an option.
I'd also go for new cyls for only a $100/ea. increase.