The best advice? Look for a different aircraft.
Ask Paul
Ask Paul: Why is my #1 cylinder so much hotter?
On a normally aspirated engine, with a carburetor, the fuel distribution between all of the cylinders is not equal.
Ask Paul: Why is my oil temperature so high?
First step: Check the accuracy of your gauges.
Ask Paul: A puzzling compression check
Can I have bad rings even when I get good compression numbers?
Turbo vs. naturally aspirated engines
The best advice is always ask lots of questions, review the logbooks carefully, and be certain to have a good pre-purchase inspection by a well qualified maintenance technician.
Ask Paul: Why is the oil pressure dropping?
The problem in the overhauled Cessna 182 engine is the oil pressure drops gradually after a four to five minute run-up.
Ask Paul: Should I wait to start this engine until my plane is done?
“I’ve spent a lot of money on the project and don’t want to risk the new engine being ruined because of eagerness.”
Ask Paul: Are these temps OK?
The rule of thumb is when leaning, lean to the leanest cylinder.
Ask Paul: Why is only the #4 cylinder having problems?
Paul offers several troubleshooting tips to solve this reader’s problem.