0235 vs c90 for a float plane

[Robert Bradbury]

As most of you know I have a C90 on my aircraft on floats. I have a chance to pick up a 0235 firewall forward less cowling . Is the 0-235 a lost better in terms of power or does the added weight offset the gain? I have 1650 floats
so I'm not going to be under floated .
Also this engine was in a plane that was blown over on its back and destroyed. The prop was not struck but,should I still be concerned ?

I guess I could always keep the C90 and put the high compression pistons with new cylinders, flow matched ported and polished . I probably would gain
10-15 hp without the weight gain and complexities of the change out .

[fearofpavement]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

By the prop not being struck do you mean it wasn't damaged? Did you see it? ie is the prop still on the plane/engine? If there is no evidence of ground contact with the prop and it wasn't running at the time I don't think it would be an issue. May not hurt to put a dial indicator on the crank just to make sure it's not wobbling. (there may have been previous issues or prop strikes as well.) Also, if the engine is not running and out of annual its value is affected. You'll have to determine how much...

Even if there was some damage to the prop, if the crank runs out straight it would probably be ok. pay accordingly for the "probably"

[jim cooper]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

you can see by the answers everyone is giving you, they are leery to say the least. I am not a mechanic but HAVE been screwed over by several so called reputable people, including an airline pilot who sold me a cessna 195 that was totally misrepresented. (he was a drunk, later fired.) I would stick with the 90 myself. That combination has flown countless hours. OR....sell the 90 and buy a rebuilt whatever, with warranty.

[Len Petterson]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

I aggree with Jim by it as it was good parts to be rebuilt.
If from Ontario drop me line.
Len

[jim cooper]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

forgot this: Last year, a buddy bought a rebuilt engine for his Aeronca. My pal is a crackerjack ap. The fellow down south said the engine was in VERY good shape "Just needed to be run reeeel GUD!" Mike bolted it on his Champ, checked everything out, half way around the pattern it croaked. Landed with no oil. Tore engine down..cracked case, bad crank. Expensive! even though he did the repair work.

[astjp2]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

Dont dick aroung, get an ECI O-320 and use the 235 mount. Its all new parts and you will know what you have. Tim

[gcgilpin]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

I wouldn't bother upgrading to the O235. Spend the money on your existing engine. Add the high compression pistons.

If you're getting a new engine make sure you can sell yours for a good price and then buy something you know well or is a fresh rebuild.

I ended up with a bad engine once, luckily the guy gave me the money back.

Next time I bought a new rebuilt engine from a guy named Ed Athey, excellent engine. Ed has a nice O200 for sale if you're interested.

[NC36061]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

Robert,

Since you are already in the experimental category, what about a 130hp Franklin? It will bolt on to the Continental engine mount and should fit under your original cowling. And a Tarver prop....?

Dave

[Robert Bradbury]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

Dont dick aroung, get an ECI O-320 and use the 235 mount. Its all new parts and you will know what you have. Tim

Tim,
I cannot disagree, the 150hp would be the way to go but, the problem then is gas consumption. I have 24 total gallons and the thirsty 0-320 would eat that up very quick. Now if I could get the large wing tanks this would be
a great combination. Not sure how much faster I would cruise, the economy might be about the same with the flying time only reduced .

Robert

[Robert Bradbury]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

Robert,

Since you are already in the experimental category, what about a 130hp Franklin? It will bolt on to the Continental engine mount and should fit under your original cowling. And a Tarver prop....?

Dave

The 130 hp franklin will fit on the mount but the centerline of the engine is lower. Not sure if I would want a Franklin as the company doesn't take phone calls. Also parts are hard to get .

Tarver, I just sold one that I had an hour on. Never did get it set up properly. Looked great but, I couldn't get it to work. Then again I never
tried really hard.

[Robert Bradbury]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

I wouldn't bother upgrading to the O235. Spend the money on your existing engine. Add the high compression pistons.

If you're getting a new engine make sure you can sell yours for a good price and then buy something you know well or is a fresh rebuild.

I ended up with a bad engine once, luckily the guy gave me the money back.

Next time I bought a new rebuilt engine from a guy named Ed Athey, excellent engine. Ed has a nice O200 for sale if you're interested.

I think I may just throw on the high compression pistons, new cylinders and flow match the induction system. Easiest way to make 15 ponies without a
weight penalty or the complexity of switching to a larger engine .

[astjp2]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

Robert, I am looking at installing cub 18gallon tanks in a taylorcraft wing, getting rid of the header tank. It seems like it will fit but I need to make a mock up and try the fit. I would plum it like the pacers and use the cub style fuel gauges. This would be for an experimental. That would fix your problem with fuel.

If you stick with the 90, you can also use O-300 elbows, get the crank balanced by Aircraft specialties, 9-1 compression pistons from: http://www.performanceengines.com/components.html, port match the cylinders, (am I up to the price of a Lyc360 overhaul yet?) oh and a Garrett turbo charger....for altitude compensation....and I forgot, those fancy new mags...from: http://www.g3ignition.com/products.html and a fuel injection system from: http://www.airflowperformance.com/html/cat_list.html

Did I spend enough money?

[jim cooper]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

I agree with those who say hop up the current engine like you would a car engine. Then you know what you have and will not be looking at fuel gauge every 5 min. Or...buy a super cub, 180 hp on floats.

[Robert Bradbury]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

Robert, I am looking at installing cub 18gallon tanks in a taylorcraft wing, getting rid of the header tank. It seems like it will fit but I need to make a mock up and try the fit. I would plum it like the pacers and use the cub style fuel gauges. This would be for an experimental. That would fix your problem with fuel.

If you stick with the 90, you can also use O-300 elbows, get the crank balanced by Aircraft specialties, 9-1 compression pistons from: http://www.performanceengines.com/components.html, port match the cylinders, (am I up to the price of a Lyc360 overhaul yet?) oh and a Garrett turbo charger....for altitude compensation....and I forgot, those fancy new mags...from: http://www.g3ignition.com/products.html and a fuel injection system from: http://www.airflowperformance.com/html/cat_list.html

Did I spend enough money?

Good references..........thanks.

[gcgilpin]

Re: 0235 vs c90 for a float plane

What do the O-300 elbows give you (compared to the regular elbows)?