So it is annual time for the 340A. Most of the inspection has gone well no (so far) issues with the airframe or controls or wiring…..
But:
The engine inspection was bad. Very, Very Bad. I expected a bad cylinder, possibly two. I was not disappointed. But when we pulled the first cylinder and inspected the innards of the engine we found a badly worn camshaft. The oil analysis had told us at the last oil change that there was something wearing badly, and it was correct (surprisingly so). The camshaft had worn beyond the surface hardening, and is pretty badly worn. Engine failure will be very soon.
The worst part? At LEAST 120 days for a repair of the engine. Ram Engines (the folks who made this engine (Continental TSIO-520NB) is backed up for AT LEAST 6 months, more like 8 (according to them). A local (very good) engine shop is sure that they can do it in approximately 120 days.
2 years ago the wait time was 15-30 days. Now it is much greater. “Supply Chain Disruptions” is all that they will say as a reason.
But I won’t have the plane for at least 4 months. 4 MONTHS.
But at least it will give me time to work on my Commercial rating.
I don’t wanna know what this is gonna cost me though.