1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

[Steve in Maine]

I have researched the Lycoming,and need to ask..should I consider buying a T-Craft with the Lycoming? (TSMO 98 hours).field overhaul. I am only familier with the Conti A-65-8 which I had in my Luscombe and Champ years ago...any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve in Maine

[Marv]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

I would go with the Continental. More power parts easier to come by. Marv

[Steve in Maine]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

Thanks Marv...I agree...but I am looking at a 1940 for 12K..looks nice, but has the Lycoming...

[3Dreaming]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

If you can come up with a engine, mount, eyebrows, and exhaust it is pretty easy to convert one. I have done it on a field approval before, or you can get the CD from the FAA on N29815. It had the conversion done way back, and its 337 can be used as approved data. If you have any questions just post them up here. I have also done it in reverse to take one back to original. Tom

[Bird]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

I have the Lycoming that came with mine along with almost 2 extras but also picked up along the way a A-65 with the mount but seriously considering the 0-200 upgrade.

[Steve in Maine]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

This T-craft is a 1940...has the Lycoming 0-145 B-2...nice price at 12k...I'm just guessing the reason for the price is the Lycoming...

[Steve in Maine]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

I guess what I am really needing is some advice...assuming I can't afford a convrersion right now...all other things being ok, (the plane is in annual...engine has 98 hrs since field overhaul)...should I take a chance witht e Lycoming? (I'm 70 years old...live in Northern Maine...former Luscombe/Champ owner...)

Mny thanks!

[Steve in Maine]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

I guess what I am really needing is some advice...assuming I can't afford a convrersion right now...all other things being ok, (the plane is in annual...engine has 98 hrs since field overhaul)...should I take a chance witht e Lycoming? (I'm 70 years old...live in Northern Maine...former Luscombe/Champ owner...)

Mny thanks!

[3Dreaming]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

I looked at the ad. The best things about the airplane are the prop and sealed struts. In my opinion the airplane looks a little rough. They don't say how old the fabric is. The cowling is beat up. The instrument panel, while it has some original instrument has had stuff added. I can't see the compass, but if it has a bubble face compass that adds value. The little Lycoming's can be a good engine, but sometimes the have head issues. The case will also crack between the cylinders sometimes, there is an old AD for this. Without actually looking at the airplane it is hard to tell if it is worth the asking price.

By the way the airplane would be a 1941 not 1940 based on the "N" number. Probably built in January or early February. My dad has N29654, and I had N29815. His was built in January, and mine was March.

[Steve in Maine]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

Thanks! The fabric is Stitts Poly...recover in early 90's...if you look on YouTube...under "Jim's Taylorcraft" there is a video of the plane ...I know it looked rough...however it is in Annual for 12K...and the owner has shared his I/A's and other people who are familier with the airplane phone #'s...the field overhaul is 98 hours old...it just seemed like an attractive price for a flyable T-craft...plane is flown reguarly...also comes with another prop in addition to the metal one...a Flowttrop wood...logs say engine was renewed to factory new tolerances at overhaul. Plane was also used by Curtis Pitts in the past...his name is in the book...

[3Dreaming]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

I guess what I am really needing is some advice...assuming I can't afford a convrersion right now...all other things being ok, (the plane is in annual...engine has 98 hrs since field overhaul)...should I take a chance witht e Lycoming? (I'm 70 years old...live in Northern Maine...former Luscombe/Champ owner...)

Mny thanks!

I would say approach it cautiously. Things to ask about the Lycoming are, what mags does it have? Does it have threaded exhaust nipples? Any spare gasket, especially head gaskets? Any oil leaks. An oil leak on the left side could be a cracked case. I did the engine swap because of a crack case. The owner had been told it was a crank seal. He had it replaced, and still had the leak. I spent about 10 minutes and found the crack. Had to take the cowling and eyebrow off.

[Steve in Maine]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

I'll find out and post answers...thanks again.

[Steve in Maine]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

-Bendix mags...one Impulse
-Yes on threaded nipples
-one small oil leak...right side of firewall...no crack found
-no headgaskets..but Jeff Hackenburg said he can supply any parts.

[3Dreaming]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

I wouldn't be to afraid of the little Lycoming. I even took a Continental out of mine and put the Lycoming back in when I restored it, because I wanted original. The big difference is I am a mechanic and can do my own work if something does break.

If you are serious it is time you go take a look at the airplane in person.

I would check out that leak. The oil pressure line is on the right side. A hole or break in the line would create a big problem.

[Steve in Maine]

Re: 1940 T-Craft with Lycoming 0-145...Advice needed...

OK...many thanks for your time!
Steve in Caribou