Earthstar Forums

HKS Folks,

Has anyone put enough hours on one HKS engine to make it to TBO? I believe the hours are 800 (which is a lot of flying time).

What happens when you DO get to TBO? Do you get an overhaul kit and do it yourself, or send it in to the manufacturer for an exchange, or go out and buy a new one?

I understand the HKS has been out for around 5 years now, so there may not be any engines run out yet. Since most are on experimental planes I assume as long as an engine is running well it can be returned to service no matter how much time, but eventually cylinders, bearings, cranks, accessories, etc. will have to be rebuilt, replaced or reworked.

Just wondering.

Skot

HKS folks are at HKS-engines yahoo group. HKS is very conservative on their
numbers which is a good thing. they've pushed engines in the factory to
800hrs and found barely enough wear and tear to warrant a 1000hrs TBO, but
would rather wait for more field data and good timing in market speak i
guess.
2 cents,
rahul

Hi Skot
I believe the HKS engine came out in 1997. So if my math is right the HKS aircraft engine came out 14 years ago.
Fred

Hi Skot
I have 1,180 on my HKS 700E on my Odyssey. I had one on my Last Odyssey
that had 890 wen I sold it and one before it at 790. I don't know of any one
that has overhaled yet but that doesn't mean any thing since I haven't ben
asking around. I also drive a Honda CRX that has 380,000 miles on it. I
don't pay attention to TBO since it is an answer to a question that is related
to the way it is used and maintained. I spend very little time maintaining
my HKS engine but use Mobil one and change the oil every 50 hrs or so.
I have herd that the overhaul cost is $2,500 unless there is something that
needs to be fixed and that it is done by Green Sky's in Florida.
Happy Flying,
Mark Beierle, Earthstar Aircraft I have over 6000 hrs of flying time with
the HKS and they have ben around for over 12 years.

Mark,

Thanks for the testimonial. That's what I like to hear.

Skot