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#1
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The A-65 Overhaul/Buy question
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 a - 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 |
#2
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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. |
#3
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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. |
#4
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The A-65 Overhaul/Buy question
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. |
#5
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The A-65 Overhaul/Buy question
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. |
#6
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The A-65 Overhaul/Buy question
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) |
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