National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

I'm looking for a set of the valve-springs and -seats with which one makes the conversion from O-145-B2 to O-145-C2. Anyone have them available, or have a suggestion as to where to look?

Peter

I have to say that sources for Lycoming four cylinder parts is not very good. Its gotten to the point where I have even seen a plan jane gasket set for these engines going for $1000 or so, and thats just crazy.

Have you looked on the internet for Lyc parts? I could steer you to half a dozen Continental sources for parts but do not know one for the Lyc's.

If you are looking at an airplane with a Lyc engine on the front you might want to think about buying the plane and replacing the engine with a Continental. Another issue other than spare parts is that I have not talked with a single Lyc/Aeronca owner who felt that the engine was putting out rated power, and at times as much as 20% under rated power.

Sorry not to be more positive but the feeling for the 4 cylinder Lyc engines is not a good one and thats why Aeronca replaced them with Continentals.

Joe A

In your opinion, what would be the most powerful (that would be advantageous)Continental engine to install in a pre-war chief?

Peter

Thats an easy one!

The Continental 4 cylinder series engine is plentiful, reliable and available everywhere.

I just ferried an Aeronca Sedan from Ohio to Arizona. In Indiana landed and found a bad valve cover (due to rust, long story but not normal) and normally would have been stuck there while waiting for parts. A gent on the field had several spares in his hangar and just gave me one to get me home. That kind of thing happens all the time with Continentals, but unless someone landed at an airport where a Lyc fan was based this would never happen.

If you were restoring an airplane that was not going to be flying then for me it would not matter but on a flying airplane for 99% of us there is no choice.

Joe

joea wrote:Another issue other than spare parts is that I have not talked with a single Lyc/Aeronca owner who felt that the engine was putting out rated power, and at times as much as 20% under rated power.

Sorry not to be more positive but the feeling for the 4 cylinder Lyc engines is not a good one and thats why Aeronca replaced them with Continentals.

Joe A

My '39 Chief had a Lyc O-145 B2. It was a smooth running little engine although the prop shaft seal always leaked some. However, as you said, I think its so called 65 hp was more like 55 hp. There are bits and pieces of an O-145 in my dad's basement, rusting. Guess I should take a look at what's there.

[Joea

Which Continental Four is the most powerful reasonably suited and often used on the Aeronca chief?

Peter

joea wrote:Thats an easy one!

The Continental 4 cylinder series engine is plentiful, reliable and available everywhere.

I just ferried an Aeronca Sedan from Ohio to Arizona. In Indiana landed and found a bad valve cover (due to rust, long story but not normal) and normally would have been stuck there while waiting for parts. A gent on the field had several spares in his hangar and just gave me one to get me home. That kind of thing happens all the time with Continentals, but unless someone landed at an airport where a Lyc fan was based this would never happen.

If you were restoring an airplane that was not going to be flying then for me it would not matter but on a flying airplane for 99% of us there is no choice.

Joe

If money is not a limitation, I would go with a "Don's Dream Machines" C-85-12. This engine usually puts out over 100 hp on the dyno, and with the -12 accy case on the back gives you the ability to put an electric starter on the engine.

Considering that you are talking pre-war, I would check for the available STC's that allow upgraded engines. You might be limited to a A-75. This is an upgraded version of the A-65 with better pistons, valve's and springs and connecting rods drilled for oil. The engine is turned another 2-300 rpm's faster, which give you another 10 hp. The prop also may require re-pitching to allow for this added rpm.

Joe

The Prewar Aeronca's are only certified for the 65 hp engine max unless it has been certified as a seaplane with the "S" designation and there is a STC for a 85 hp conversion. If I had a Lycoming powered prewar Chief and I did one time, I would do the engine change and put a Continental in it. 65 Lycomings are smooth running but don't realy put out 65 hp over time and parts are not only hard to get but expensive if you find them--especially head gaskets.
You probably could do a 85 hp conversion but jumping through the FAA hoops might be something else. The plain old 65 Continental isn't bad at all, in fact it is a better deal than the post war Chief with a 65hp engine.

Doug