My (limited) recollection is that the P&W R1830 and R2000 operated by Charlie Q were very reliable but quite maintenance intensive. I was usually the poor silly bugger working on the lower cylinders. Oh well, what else are apprentices for??
What I heard from the other (old) guys was that the big Wright TC engines on the L1049s were also reliable until the company pushed the range and tried to run them 12 1/2% lean. This led to the need for (I think) 3 different heat range plugs on each engine and very, very careful handling. The consensus was that they were a solid engine until you tried to push the envelope for range.
AFAIK the HARS Connie has very few engine issues, although she never gets above 75% power ever. And the sound of her.......
