Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

[Doc]

Hello: Just purchased a 1939 Aeronca 65LA Chief to restore/recover that has a running Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP). Anyone with overhaul experience with this obsolete powerplant?...and if so, any pearls of wisdom you might want to throw out? Anyone have an induction box for this engine? Anyone with Aeronca faced instruments (airspeed indicator, non-sensitive altimeter)? I know this is outside of T-Craft issues, but vintage aviation is the game... Thanks, Doc.

[flylo]

Re: Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

I have one in my '38. It's the 2nd one I've had. I also have the manuals for it. Parts are getting scarce. Make sure to adjust the valve train evey 100 hrs. It's a very smooth engine,but less cubic inches thus less power than a 65hp cont. If you ever decide to sell it let me know.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

Sorry,The only pearl I can contribute is to replace it with a Continental
A-65! Seroiously if you are in need of a rebuild... why not? (just a question...no flames intended or warrented! )

[Doc]

Re: Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

Hello: You are right...it might be my next boat-anchor! The A-65 would be a suitable replacement...after I get this thing to Lakeland and Oshkosh (if the Lyc is still running!). Doc

[Bob Waldron]

Re: Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

Doc,

The Continental 65 is a more powerful engine. If you decide to replace your Lycoming, give me a call and I will come over and take it off your hands (to save you the cost of disposing of it).

If you decide to use it, you will find that it is the smoothest aircraft engine running. It is very important to re-torque the heads every 25 - 50 hours. It is also important to be sure that the exhaust manifold is 'strapped' tp the engine. The early Taylorcrafts were shipped with the exhaust manifold connected to the cylinder heads, and no other support of the manifold. This caused the manifold to pull the 'stubbs' out of the cylinder heads, ruining the heads.

My pre-war Taylorcraft has the exposed cylinders, and everyone can see my Lycoming. Owing and operating a Lycoming 65 requires a mental attitude that is undaunted by the scaricity of parts and repair information. You truely own an orphan. I have flown my BL-65 for hundreds of hours and learned the importance of adjusting valves and re-torqing cylinder heads and worrying about how to replace parts. I really like my Lycoming 65, and LOTS of Continental owner pilots have all volunteered comments about how SMOOTH it runs (Compared to their more powerful, more available, and more socialy acceptable Continentals).

As much as I love my Lycoming 65, if my airplane had the engine hidden under the cowl where people could not see what was under there, there are times when I think I should switch it for the Continental. I am sure that I would regret it, but the thought does occasionaly cross my mind.

Good luck with your new airplane. No matter which engine you use, the true joy is in the flying, and associating with the wonderful people that appreciate old airplanes.

[d.grimm]

Re: Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

Bob,
Getting close to buying a Vagabond. It has two 0-145's. One is supposed to be good and one for parts. All exhaust stubs supposed to be good. This is firewall forward including prop. Any idea's on price? Going with a C-85.
Dave

[alwaysoar]

Re: Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

I had a lyc 65 in a J-3 I owned. It was clearly less powerful than a continental, but I liked it. Started easily, very smooth. But parts are so expensive (overhaul gasket kit now around $1000.00), that unless it is very low time with good documentation, I would buy the plane as if it had no engine at all. A parts engine with your plane sounds nice, but what parts can you use from a parts engine that won't need to be overhauled? I would buy that Vagabond, but at a project price. There are a lot of planes out there in good condition reasonably priced.

[joelharris]

Re: Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

I have purchased several over the last 10 years to support my former Porterfield.
The most I paid was $1500 bucks, in 1999, for a runner including an airworthy prop and as low as $300 for a parts engine.


Joel

[flylo]

Re: Lycoming O-145B2 (65 HP)

I really like mine.I know it's not as powerful.But several records were set with O-145 powered T-Crafts,the Moody Bros 14 1/2 day non stop flight,Elwood(I think) New York to Daytona non stop on floats.The O-145 looks better with an open cowl & is very smooth.I like the history of these old planes & will keep mine flying with the Lycoming as long as I can.So if you want to sell any engines or parts,please let me know. Eric