Fred :

What engine have you decided to put into your airplane?

I had a Piper 235 for 12 years which went 200 hours past TBO and was still
going strong when I sold it.  Same 0-540.  Noisy and vibraty but a better
engine.  We used unleaded autogas about 1/3 the time and Marvel Mystery

occasionally but otherwise nothing special and ran it hard all the time.
(Too much lead in 100 LL!).  We always burned about 14+ GPH at full cruise
(2450 squared).  We traveled a measly 135 Knots.

If an engine Manufacturer touts a 2000 hour TBO at normal settings then

engine should do 2000 hours or better on average.  For $50,000 and 700+
pounds and relatively high fuel consumptions they should work at least "as
advertised".  Also if proper preservation procedures are followed to the
letter then the warrantee should begin at the first engine start for
homebuilders.  Our warrantee has expired just sitting on the unfinished
airplane.

Where are the water cooled diesel engines?

Stu.