porterjet wrote:To come back to a serious question, typically how long will a well treated Franklin go before overhaul? I know the published TBO is 1200 hrs., but unlike some engines I have yet to see one advertised with anything approaching published TBO.
Any comments on lil red, Debs or other Franklin shops?

Good question best we have seen in about 2 dozen Franklin s 150 hp ,165,180 hp is about 700-800 hrs .The 150's seem to last longer because of less strain .220 lasted 300 hrs. before major problems. Franklin hasn't produced a complete engine in over 50 years -all that you see today are composite of old parts put back together "fresh overhaul" from old parts. Franklin s are still the smoothest running engines and will give many hours of dependable service but most are on there 4-5th life . We have a Stinson 108-2 with 165 that is pretty frisky and so far after 450 hrs seems to be running fine.Exhaust valves and cylinders are the weakest link. Cranks have a tendency to spin bearings and get trashed especially #4 .Oil pump is pretty weak and do have there share of failures .

182 STOL driver wrote:

porterjet wrote:To come back to a serious question, typically how long will a well treated Franklin go before overhaul? I know the published TBO is 1200 hrs., but unlike some engines I have yet to see one advertised with anything approaching published TBO.
Any comments on lil red, Debs or other Franklin shops?

Good question best we have seen in about 2 dozen Franklin s 150 hp ,165,180 hp is about 700-800 hrs .The 150's seem to last longer because of less strain .220 lasted 300 hrs. before major problems. Franklin hasn't produced a complete engine in over 50 years -all that you see today are composite of old parts put back together "fresh overhaul" from old parts. Franklin s are still the smoothest running engines and will give many hours of dependable service but most are on there 4-5th life . We have a Stinson 108-2 with 165 that is pretty frisky and so far after 450 hrs seems to be running fine.Exhaust valves and cylinders are the weakest link. Cranks have a tendency to spin bearings and get trashed especially #4 .Oil pump is pretty weak and do have there share of failures .

Thanks, great input. I guess the next logical question is how much would a typical overhaul cost? I get that there will be quite a variation, just trying to get a handle on putting something away for that rainy day.