There have been a significant number of problems with these engines in the recent past. I do not operate any myself (all Continental), but I have maintained them and have close contact with others operating them. The real crunch came this summer when the California Highway Patrol suffered 2 engine failures on their brand new C206's. They grounded their fleet and were very vocal in their criticism of Cessna and Lycoming.
Other operators that I am familiar with had no end of problems with their "new" 206's and were very disappointed with them. Never ending stream of AD's, SB's and repair and rectification work (not what you plan for with a new aircraft!).
Couple of links here;
CHP press release.
http://www.chp.ca.gov/pdf/01-26.pdf
Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin.
http://www.lycoming.textron.com/supp...s/NE-01-37.pdf
Lycoming Service Bulletin SB 480D.
http://www.lycoming.textron.com/main.html
As you mentioned, there is in fact a class action lawsuit that has been filed by Piper Malibu Mirage owners (who also experienced a number of failures). The web-site is quite extensive, including the depositions of various players in the suit. I am sure that the Cessna owners will follow suit (sic) if this succeeds!
http://www.textronenginelitigation.com/
After the $480 million Cessna 185 suit that Textron lost earlier this year, they may conclude that it is simply time to exit the business completely!
Interested to know what type(s) you are operating?
[ 18 December 2001: Message edited by: Cyclic Hotline ]