Replacement Cylinders

[gfeher]

My AI spotted what might be a small crack in my #5 cylinder at the base of the 3rd fin behind the top spark plug hole. Did a soap test and it blew bubbles, so now I'm in the market for a new cylinder. The folks at my field like the Superior cylinders. But I'm not sure of all the options. I did a check on our site and it looks like the last discussion about replacement cylinders was about 8 or 9 years ago. So I thought I'd see what everyone thinks now. Which do you like and why?

Thanks in advance,
Gene

[gfeher]

Forgot to mention. I have a C145-2 with about 900 hours SMOH.

Gene

[blueldr]

I had exceptionally good service from a set of early Superior cylinders. When they first came on the market they were about half the cost of new ones by TCM.

[hilltop170]

At overhaul about 300hrs ago, I had ECI Nickel-carbide cylinders installed. They have valve rotators and bayonet plugs for the CHT probes. I also had the new style push rod tube conversion installed similar to the O-470/520 spring-loaded push rod tubes. They are all high 70s compression after 8 years.

I have a set of six Continental cylinders with pistons, valves still assembled, push rods, new push rod tubes, and assorted engine baffles taken off of my engine at the overhaul. They were all in the 70s when removed. I would sell for $100ea plus shipping.

[ghostflyer]

Superior is the way to go , never use anything else these days. Have had issues with their rings being a little soft a while ago but the cylinders have found to be the best . In our shop we have in the last month done about 15 cylinder changes and no superior cylinders have been pulled for a problem . BUT a couple a months ago we had 6 cylinder changes and most were superior but there was a suggestion it was due to "operator error." ( Correct political statement ) .

[cessna170bdriver]

I'm perfectly happy with my ECI Cerminil cylinders. 350 hours of very sporadic flying over 9 years and they were all six still very high 70s/80 last annual.

I have 5 used Continental and one Superior cylinders I'm about to put in the trade mart for $25 each just so I won't have to move them cross country. The Continentals are +0.015 and the Superior is standard and only has about 500 TT on it. All have valves, but I haven't ran across the pistons yet.

[Kyle Wolfe]

Just went through that same decision making process and have 6 Superiors on order.

[LBPilot82]

300 hours on ECI steel cylinders. Lowest compression is 77.

[gfeher]

Thanks for the replies. Given the positive responses to Superiors and the fact that my AI likes them and has one in stock, I'll go with a Superior. We should be able to change the cracked one to the new Superior today.

Thanks again,
Gene

[170C]

ECI steel installed in Sept, 1999. Now with 900+ hours and at October annual 5 were all in the 70's with one at 64. Can't complain

[mit]

I have been using new Cont since the mid 90's no problems.

[GAHorn]

While I don't work in the warranty department of Superior..... It's not likely they need any help in that dept if my experience means anything. I've never had any problem whatsoever with Superior cylinders.
Can't say the same about ECI, TCM or Sentry.