Labor for A65 Major Overhaul

[airknocker]

I've got a mechanic who seems ideal. On the first 100-hr after purchase (the plane had sat for 8 years), after pulling two weak jugs, mic-ed the crank and found the pins under size. The tip-off was brass showing thru on the rod end bearings indicating "slap". We split the case, had the crand pins evened out by an outside shop and went oversize on the bearings. Long-story-short, the labor of a major, but not replacement of all the parts to major specs. Here's the rub: He won't give me a statement for the labor; sez I should pay him what I think it's worth to me. The problem is, I have no idea what that labor is worth. He has worked on it all fall and winter between other jobs and will not submit a time invoice. I am quite happy with the work, but have no idea what it is worth. Any help out there? What should the labor to tear down the engine and build it back up amount to?

[LOWELL]

AIRNOCKER, The price for a Mechanics services here range from $35 to
$50 dollars per hr. I take it, the engine was signed off as REPAIRED and
not overhauled. I would go something like this: Eight hours a day for 2 to
3 days at his shop rate, plus you pay for grinding the shaft, and all parts,
gaskets, etc. I hope you had the shaft nitrided, without it, the shafts are
soft. To give you another example, I charge $850.00 for an overhaul of
an A-65 Engine. This does not include accessories or run-in on my test stand. Other work is at $35.00 per Hr.
I hope this has helped. I'm sure others have run into this problem and
may give you their pop.

[airknocker]

Thanks, Lowell. Yup, had it nitrided, and yup, REPAIRED, not overhauled. The reason I used him is that he had done the last 11 Annuals on the airplane, and the last recover job. Wanted the continuity. Your numbers are in line with some others I had gotten. Thanks again.

[Lowell Sterchi]

It sounds like you have a GOOD mechanic......hang on to him!