I am considering buying a 1958 C172 to use for flight training. I have always heard that the Continental O-300 engines aren't very reliable and don't usually make it to TBO. Can anyone tell me their experience with these engines? Specifically using them for training, not just personal use.
Thanks
We put about 800 hrs. on our trainer. No complaints. O.K. just one, it is less powerful. It's biggest downfall is the overhaul. Six cylinders instead of four. I would add the oil filter and cooler, as ours (1966G) had neither. Smooth engine though!
I own a 1961 Cessna 172. The only problem is an oil leak. The valve seals under the cylinders tend to leak a lot. The engine runs great. Watch for the carb ice in favorable conditions. Continental engines are more prone to icing than lycoming because of the position of the carb. The engine has about 1400 hours SMOH and compressions are all in the low 70's.
I have a '59, and we operate a '56 and another '59 here on the airport. We also have several other privately owned 56-6x's based here, all with the 'ol O-300. I have over 1000 hours in my plane, and the only thing I will say is look out for carb ice. Other than that, run them often! The more regularly they run, the less cylinder problems we have. I would say that the top problem with the O-300 is sticking valves... However, this is really no big deal, I can have a cylinder off and back on and running the next day. A well maintained O-300 will run like a clock. Never have had any problems/regrets other than just usual MX. Great plane if you ask me
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