No free lunch

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Rich
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No free lunch

Post by Rich »

I know and see posts from any number of folks who have old planes, superior in the knowledge they paid lots less for their old '70's-era ride than I did. Similarly complaints abound about having to ante up $5K to satisfy ADS-B mandate for a plane that's only worth $35K.

So I'm finishing up another $500 annual today. In my mechanic's shop is a '74 172. The bracket for the carb heat control cracked, necessitating removal of the intake plenum as well. This photo shows that plenum, which has been repaired (badly) at times in the past and needs repair/replacement badly. There are actually corrosion-produced holes, thin spots and various other gaps in it, along with the ugliest (and incomplete) welds I can recall. Dark spots are worn/corroded through. There are a couple more hidden from view.
IMG_0162.jpg
I didn't grab a picture of the broken bracket itself, which fatigue-cracked through.

Now for "the price is right" quiz. Cessna does have replacement parts for both. What do you suppose they want for this plenum/carb control box?
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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Boatguy
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Re: No free lunch

Post by Boatguy »

$1,400
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Pascal
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Re: No free lunch

Post by Pascal »

Well I was quoted 5k$ for adding a heated pitot to my DA20-C1 so I would not be surprised that 172 part was upwards of that.
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Rich
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Re: No free lunch

Post by Rich »

List price for that plenum: $11,300.00.
For the other bracket: $930.00.

Plus shipping. No sales tax here in Oregon, but elsewhere ...

My mechanic will be striving to repair these things, but that plenum is not going to be usable too much longer. And I spied some other things that are going to need attention, as well, for similar reasons - cracks, wear, etc.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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Lance Murray
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Re: No free lunch

Post by Lance Murray »

I think it is safe to say Cessna doesn’t want these old airplanes in the air any more.
Antoine
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Re: No free lunch

Post by Antoine »

Owner produced parts. The FAA has you covered.
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TimS
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Re: No free lunch

Post by TimS »

Antoine wrote: Sun Aug 11, 2019 12:13 am Owner produced parts. The FAA has you covered.
And then owner assumes potential liability if the aircraft is an accident. I know of no case where this has been filed or proven, but I would not want the risk.

Tim
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