Hi, I am in a process of purchasing a G58 Baron and had some major concerns in regard to the engines. Engines are original 2007 and cylinders were changed on both engine to Ram cylinders in 2012 engine time of 460 hrs at the time. Currently exactly 12 years later the engines are at 750hrs only as the aircraft almost never flew in the last 3 years (about 25-30 hrs in 3 years…).
The owner obviously will not allow me to take the engine a part and noting the boroscope and oil sample came out fine.
I like the aircraft but wanted to know that based on the history and the fact that the aircraft is in Florida the engines are rusty? am I looking at 2 new engine replacement for certain? In case I take the chance and buy the aircraft do I have to take the engines apart and inspect before flying it with the family?
Please advise.
Easy. If he wont let you access the lifters and camshaft and borescope…
Make an offer that reflects the cost of a teardown and cam replacement.
If they sidestep.
Move on.
That!
Thanks.
Would think a borescope of the pistons and cylinder walls could be accomplished by simply removing the spark plugs. Would give you a bit more insight. Good Luck!
If internal corrosion is suspected, inspecting the cylinder bores alone is not enough, and inspecting the lifters and cams is more involved.
The job requires more complex disassembly to remove the pushrods and pushrod tubes as well as some replacement parts (Gaskets, seals, etc), plus approximately 8 to 10 hours of labor per engine.
From David’s description above, I would say these engines require the inspection before proceeding with an offer unless the purchase price reflects the need to overhaul both engines.
I agree strongly. And overhauling two engines means lots of money. Whether it’s a Baron with the IO-470, IO-520 or IO-550, you’re talking neighborhood of $125,000 total.
You are getting solid advice. Don’t ask me how I know.
Coastal air+inactivity= No bueno
Either a thorough inspection, a discount for upcoming repairs or pass.
Not to confuse the magnificent Jim Barker with Mark Baker of AOPA 
(did that once in the past), but here’s a great article that about engines which have sat a long time without much flight. In this particular case it was his own plane (185) he was buying back 4 years later that hadn’t been flow much at all during that 4 year period.