At 03:50 07 July 2017, Tetsuya Ueda wrote:
Hello from Japan,

Let me ask for your advice on Tost Engine replacement.
Our TOST 2 drum winch engine (type: Olds 455 Bigblock) blew out
last wee
and it looks we need to replace it with spare engine.

If anyone know where to search second-hand engine which may
fit, our clu
appreciates to hear any info.

Unfortunately our club can't afford to buy new one from TOST or
Skylaunch
let us know your idea about any cost-saving option...


Due to lack of forum or good network of glider in Japan, let us
seek fo
support from UK!

Best,
Ueda




Ueda,

Difficult! You are looking for an engine fitted in American cars
about 40 years ago. Your best chance must be the USA. Very few
of these cars reached Europe, and I suspect even fewer reached
Japan. Reconditioned engines and spare parts are not easy to find.

We had the same problem in the UK a few years ago. We couldn't
find an Oldsmobile 455 but we were able to find a damaged car with
a Pontiac 403 engine. This fitted straight in. It is not as powerful
as the 455 but it did let us launch Duo Discus gliders.

If you can't find an Oldsmobile or Pontiac engine be aware that
Chevrolet engines of the same age may not fit. Oldsmobile used 6
bolts between engine and gearbox, Chevy used 5 so they don't
match up. If you change engine and gearbox is the propeller shaft
the same? Unfortunately you may have a lot of work to do even
when you find another engine.

Perhaps the US glider pilots can help.

Jim Thomson