I got my Ercoupe back from the "let's replace everything" A&P along with a bill for $800.00 in labor and $50.00 worth of parts. That included replacing tires, bleeding the brakes, removing and replacing the cowling and propeller, replacing the front crank seal, and diagnosing of a stuck valve (or two). I took my logbooks and ran per the recommendation that was posted here (very good advice indeed).
I just talked to another A&P. I asked if he knew about the rope trick (see... I am learning) and he said "you mean the Indian rope trick?" I said that I had never heard it called that, but he assured me that it was used on Indian motorcycles. WOW... a knowledgeable person who is old enough to know about Indian motorcycles! I must have stumbled on to the mother lode. He said that he would rather just pull the head and send it to the shop. He then told me he would charge me two hours to pull the head and replace it (OMG... an estimate for the work before the work is started!!!). He told me the shop would charge between $200.00 and $300.00 as long as he didn't bring them the cylinder too. He located my bird and is working on it as we speak. Is there cause for jubilation or would that be premature? Frank Nelson (Might still be able to finish my checkride this month.) Broken N51DV - 415-C S/N 2024 TOA / California
