Menasco powered Chief

[Paul Agaliotis]

It looks like I'm going to be involved building a KM. While I did get an engine, it's disassembled. Most of the major parts are there but some smaller items are missing. If anyone in the group has an engine or knows of one I'm interested. It's a Menasco M-50.
I let one slip by on ebay about a year ago, I had no need. And wouldn't you know it, here I am today.
Paul

[Paul Agaliotis]

I thought I'd give this a little bump.
Is there anyone on the East Coast that is going to the Curtiss museum? They have a Menasco M-50 in their collection and I would kike to get some information on it.
Paul

[Oklahoma flyer]

Paul,
I used to own a KM that had been converted to a Lycoming 65 by Don Pietenpol. It was a great airplane and flew wonderfully then got stupid and sold the plane to pay off bills. The 337 that Don filed when he did the engine swap said changed engine on factory recommendation obtained mount from factory. Latter I talked to several in the know about the Menasco who said it was a horrible engine that's why the Aeronca factory recommended the change, and the reason it wasn't popular. The Continental and Lycoming won the market so Menasco dropped the M-50 because of the problems.

I would love to see an example of the KM with the Menasco.

Dan

[EDGEFLY]

Paul,

If you are referring to the Glenn Curtiss museum near Hammondsport N.Y., it is within driving distance for me and I would be happy to make visits and acquire whatever information or photography you need if I am able to. It is also a perfect reason to explain to "My Lady" that a fellow Aeronca Nut needs this info, therefore justifying another visit and also getting me to the doorstep of the vintners of some of he finest Reisling's produced in the US. Besides, it is sampling time for the 2012 vintages and my wine racks are nearly empty.

If I can be of help, communicate by forum or personal E-mail <tmail51a@gmail.com> and I will do my best. I won't even try to beat you out of a bottle of beer as joea sometimes does to his acquaintances !!!

Dale

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dale,
I am curious if they have an overhaul manual I could copy and any spares they might have. I have a bunch of Aeronca E113 engine stuff if they are into trading. I might have some OX stuff in one of the sheds but not much, saxophone exhaust and some overhead stuff, some stock some Millerized.
Paul

[EDGEFLY]

Paul,

Ok, I'll try to set up a trip and meet with the folks up there. Should be within a couple of weeks. Will report as it goes.

Dale

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dale,
No hurry. The previous owner has most of the plane rebuilt. Some small things left to do but not too much. It needs to be covered and the engine I have is disassembled.
Menasco didn't build too many of these engines, it's not much better than the little Lycomings. The workmanship is a lot better but I don't believe there was much advantage over the O-145.
Paul

[Oklahoma flyer]

Do you have an overhaul manual on the M50?

[Paul Agaliotis]

No manuals for the poor little thing. When I picked it up the engine was in a box. I grabbed everything and can identify the big stuff but all the little items are the problem. Without a manual I don't even know what I should be looking for. I have seen some for sale a few years back but nothing recently. Never in my wildest dreams did I figure I'd own one of these rare Chiefs.
Paul

[Oklahoma flyer]

Paul,
I hope you can get the Menasco going. I'll keep my eyes open for parts. It would be a great historical Aeronca to have. I initially wanted to find one several years ago but didn't have much luck then.