0-290 engine(obsolete?)

[Harbi]

Hey guys,

I know this is not really related to the t-craft, but I was hoping for your advice. I am rebuilding a j-5a and was looking at putting the 0-290 in it(with stc). I keep hearing that the o-290 is basically obsolete as far as getting parts. The plane had an 0-235 in it. I was hoping to get a little more h.p. for this plane. As far as I can find, there is no stc for the 0-320 in a j-5, which would be a great motor. Any thought or suggestions?
Wade

[d.grimm]

Re: 0-290 engine(obsolete?)

I maintain a Pacer with a 0-290-D2 of 135 hp and have not had any problems so far. The 135 is actually rated at 140 hp for 5 minutes. Great engine but I can see problems in the future. With the current climate at the FAA, I don't know what I would do. Put the 135 in now and start the 150 hp paperwork at the same time? Start looking for some 337's for the 150?

[wlas]

Re: 0-290 engine(obsolete?)

I just when through that last summer with an old J-5 with 125 HP. Cylinders are the hard part to find. Luckily on this one we were able to get his cylinders rebuild locally. no one is making cylinders. But on that J-5, cylinders were the least of his probems. After get the engine up to airworthy, the guy didn't want to spend any more money on it, so I wouldn't sign off the annual, that didn't stop him from flying, what the heck, he thinks, as long as it runs, thats all you need. Of course I don't understand that reasoning.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: 0-290 engine(obsolete?)

They are getting harder to find, but so is early narrow deck 320's. Cost of certain hard to find parts makes overhauling one very expensive.

Mike

[astjp2]

Re: 0-290 engine(obsolete?)

I think that the last time I looked, the rings for the cylinders were about $400.00 per cylinder, that is enough for me to shy away and go the O-320....