The A-65 Overhaul/Buy question

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Here and elsewhere I've been exploring the possibility of buying an
a/c with an A-65 engine which has exceed TBO. We've learned the TBO
figure isn't gospel, but it probably isn't a bad idea to be
thinking about an overhaul. For the purpose of this discussion, let's
assume something has occurred and it's time to open the case. Since
the engine is old, and you've invested in opening the case, you have
to think overhaul.

A look thru the trades show mid-time engines can be purchased for
around $4,000 and recently O/H engines for $7,000.

It is possible after the engine is opened and inspected one will be
faced with repair costs that exceed the cost of purchasing a recently
O/H engine.

My questions are:
- How much do I have to invest to be able to make the overhaul or buy
decision? (My experience is (in the DC area) opening a case,
inspecting, closing it up will cost $3,000).
- How can I cut the investment?
- What decisions have to be "outsourced" to an engine shop, i.e.
the decision is outside the ability or willingness of a small shop to
make the decision and provide an estimate?

- Mike

[Paul kgyy]

It depends a lot on the "something has occurred". Low compression on 1
cylinder might just entail removing that cylinder and fixing whatever
is wrong with it. This way you get to replace the engine 1 part at a
time. I think this is probably the cheapest way to go, but then you
always have the risk that a 30-yr-old connecting rod is about to let
go.

On the other hand, the experience with total overhauls hasn't been all
that great.

You are the decider, not the engine shop, though it's worth asking
their opinion.

[Michael Horowitz]

Yeah, "something has occurreed" was too vague; I was thinking "making
metal", but didn't want to be specific. OK. Making metal it is. - Mike

"Paul kgyy" > wrote:

>It depends a lot on the "something has occurred". Low compression on 1
>cylinder might just entail removing that cylinder and fixing whatever
>is wrong with it. This way you get to replace the engine 1 part at a
>time. I think this is probably the cheapest way to go, but then you
>always have the risk that a 30-yr-old connecting rod is about to let
>go.
>
>On the other hand, the experience with total overhauls hasn't been all
>that great.
>
>You are the decider, not the engine shop, though it's worth asking
>their opinion.

[Bret Ludwig]

Personally I would be looking at 75s and 85s as it was easy enough to
upgrade. That said how much are you planning to fly this airplane? A
midtime engine can be a real bargain. However, if you get unlucky....

Running any known aircraft engine much over TBO is a fool's errand.

On a certificated aircraft you can rebuild the engine yourself if you
can find an IA to inspect and sign off the work. This may or may not
save money if you are so inclined. Oopses can get really expensive.

[RST Engineering]

It does not require an IA; a P license will do nicely.

Jim



"Bret Ludwig" > wrote in message
oups.com...


>
> On a certificated aircraft you can rebuild the engine yourself if you
> can find an IA to inspect and sign off the work.

[Deborah McFarland]

> Personally I would be looking at 75s and 85s as it was easy enough to
> upgrade.

Not necessarily. If you wish to upgrade a Luscombe 8A (65 hp) to a higher
engine, you must remove the fuselage tank and install wing tanks. Doable
with some cash and time with metal wings however, you must manufacture the
tanks yourself if you have fabric ones.

Don Swords of Don's Dream Machines (770-412-8885) is about as good as you
can get for overhauling A-65s, C-85s, C-90s and O-200s. He's not cheap, but
if you call him he will talk to you all day about any questions you have.

Good luck.

Deb

1946 Luscombe 8A (his)
1948 Luscombe 8E (hers)
1954 Cessna 195B, restoring (ours)