Why would someone "convert" a C-85-12 to a C-85-8?

[Windknot]

Found this description of a major alteration in the paperwork of a BC12-D that I'm considering buying.

This engine was converted from the C85-12F configuration to the C-85-8F Version.

This alteration is the same as that which was approved on June 7, 1963 for Taylorcraft Model BC-12D, Serial Number 7274 N43615 and also approved on a Piper J3C-65 Serial number 8318 N53305 on January 26, 1999.

The rear crankcase cover assembly, Continental par number 6726-A1 was removed and replaced by Continental rear crankcase cover assembly part number A4587.

The Alteration was accomplished as follows:
Removed all -12 rear cover mounting studs. Removed part number 23487 starter pinion pivot.
Replaced part number 35016 crankshaft gear with part number 530641 gear. Replaced part number 530535 camshaft gear with part number 3506 gear. Fabricated and installed an aluminum plate .250 inch thick to replace part number 35033 oil cooler pad cover.
Part number A4587 crankcase cover assembly was mounted on the crankcase using the existing dowel pins as line-up. The dowel pins are in identical location for either crankcase cover. The two lower stud holes are already in the correct position and are used on either rear cover. Using the A4587 crankcase cover as a template, the new mounting stud hole were marked, drilled and tapped.
Ten part number 401809 studs were installed in the crankcase. Machined off the -12 starter mounting ears. No other machine work required.

What/why would someone do this? I'm confused.

Also the notation indicated that they machined off the -12 starter mounting ears - see photo below - arent the circled areas the starter mounting ears? If they're not, please forgive my ignorance - I've never seen a starter for a plane that didn't necessitate the use of my arms, so the whole area is new to me.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Why would someone "convert" a C-85-12 to a C-85-8?

That log entry sounds just like the plane that got a pre-buy in Chesapeake VA this month. When we looked at the engine the lugs WERE NOT removed, contrary to the log entry. The reason they changed the dash number and removed the starter was to keep using the short mount. With the new small starter it can be converted back and you can keep the short mount.
The plane was a NICE plane. The buyer flew in to check it out but it didn't meet his use needs (he had two daughters and a wife and was moving up from a Cirrus to a Taylorcraft, but he still needed a little more speed and I got the feeling there was still a need for four seats). Once the daughters are gone I told him he needs to look at one of the Ferris planes. Little faster and good for he and his wife.
The pre-buy was done by my IA and he is really good. He did a check out with the buyer before he changed his mind about buying and is a very trustworthy mechanic.

Hank

The potential buyer was a great guy too. He paid all the costs for bringing the plane down and some minor fixes the IA found, as well as paying for a tail wheel check out. I hope the buyer joins the tribe as soon as his daughters graduate form school. He was a good guy.

[Windknot]

Re: Why would someone "convert" a C-85-12 to a C-85-8?

Dennis ended up passing on the plane - too small/slow for his mission.

I put him and the seller together as I was not in a position logistically to get the plane in the middle of the winter. I'm back in the #1 spot unless he doesn't sell it and decides to keep it. I'm hangarless and it's not quite flying weather yet, so we're taking it slow - I have right of first refusal come spring. Should have a hangar (hopefully) shored up here in the next few weeks.

[Windknot]

Re: Why would someone "convert" a C-85-12 to a C-85-8?

Thanks hank!!!!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Why would someone "convert" a C-85-12 to a C-85-8?

No problem. Guess I should let everyone know, I had a minor computer problem about a month ago and all of my Forum private messages got dumped. Today the box is full again! I guess we are back to using the forum threads or just send me a message to my home address if you need to talk off line. My regular email is hjarrett2 at cox dot net .
If someone mines this deep into the forum to harvest my email they must be Taylorcraft guys and I probably wouldn't think of what they sent as spam anyway. ;-)
Hank

[astjp2]

Re: Why would someone "convert" a C-85-12 to a C-85-8?

I have an O-200 that is now a -8, its lighter and has a little more power now that it does not have to turn a generator or vacuum pump. Tim