“My incompetence extends to my inability to run LOP and, as a result of this and other ham fisted operational inadequacies over the last 948 operational hours, I have not experienced the joy and satisfaction of cylinder overhaul, ring replacement  or valve grinding, milestones usually enjoyed by better pilots with proper engines. My bucket of bolts recycled Lycoming stubbornly insists on maintaining compression in the mid 70's despite my best efforts. Try as I may, by operating it at 75%-100% all the time, forcing it to run separate from its fellow  IVs over the race course and whipping it to the flight levels, it refuses to succumb  to my will. “

Brent,

How do you run your engine?  I did a quick look see to see if you had posted anything before, I’d like to know.  I’ve already purchased a Continental IO550, and I did so aware of its reputation for a top end overhaul after a short number of hours, but what else do you do? 

Thanks
Kevin