Can I suspend the A-65 by the flange?

[mhorowit]

If I'm not going to open the case, can I suspend the A-65 by the flange, or does that put too much of a strain on the internals? - Mike

[Marcus Bates Jr]

Re: Can I suspend the A-65 by the flange?

I wouldn't......easier to cut the center hole and bolt pattern in an old table or workbench, and hold the engine vertically...... Really easier to work on, too.....You could use an engine stand and use the mounting flange (engine mount) to support the engine if you wanted to......

[jgerard]

Re: Can I suspend the A-65 by the flange?

One of my Continental books shows a lifting eye ring that attaches to the taper shaft engines right off the end of the crank. I have seen large radials moved the same way. Makes no difference if the engine is hung or put on a stand, the same weight is acting on the thrust flange bearing surface. An A65 can produce almost 400lbs of static thrust with the correct prop and that is more than twice the weight of the engine trying to pull the crankshaft out the front of the case. I admit, they are hard to work on when suspended from a swinging chain though

Jason
N43643

[Garry Crookham]

Re: Can I suspend the A-65 by the flange?

Mike
I assume that you're asking if the engine can be mounted in a horizontal position by bolting the flange to some sort of a stand. It won't hurt the engine if you bolt the flange securely to a heavy plate using all 6 bolts...the flange itself can be bent if it's not attached properly. It's much easier, and more stable to mount it vertically or as suggested earlier in this thread bolt the engine to the engine mount and then bolt the mount to a wooden frame.

Garry Crookham
N5112M
Tulsa