Changing from BL to BC? Pros and Cons??

[larryarcher]

I have a 1940 BL-65 with a Lycombing engine. The engine is high time. I need advice as to whether I should rebuild exsisting engine or convert to a Continental.

Questions I have include: Are parts available for that type of conversion? If so, what parts etc, would I need?

Thanks,
Larrry Archer in Georgia 478-455-4519

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Changing from BL to BC? Pros and Cons??

Hi Larry,

Welcome to the Tribe!
If you haven't already search 'O-145', some good info there.
I am in the process of switching over from Lyc. to Cont.
I got to the point with the Lyc. that parts were hard to find and if you could find them they were very expensive! The aluminum cylinder heads seem to become frail after 70 years of who knows who torquing the @@#$ out of them....
I had a spark plug strip it's threads and blow out of the engine on takeoff once. Makes you start thinking about flying over the mountains, or taking people for rides.

Some things involved in the change over off the top of whats left of my head are: You'll need a Continental engine mount, and exhaust system, if you have an open cowl you''ll need to cobble the holes to get the cylinders and the pushrod tubes uncovered, maybe different cooling eybrows, closed cowl ??? oh yeah and a new hole for the exhaust pipe. Reset the redline on the tach., different prop. New weight and balance?
I think over all it will be worth it. The Cont. parts for the most part are available (fresno air parts). Crank shaft availability can be a pain. But unless you have 10 old Lycs to cannibalize stashed in the corner of the hangar the critical parts are getting dear.
For what it's worth; I've flown both the Lyc and Cont. powered T crafts and the Continental has quite a bit more pulling power.
I'm sure more people will chime in here.

[dmcneil]

Re: Changing from BL to BC? Pros and Cons??

Hey Larry,

As Howard said, the O-145 parts are getting harder to find. Here's something that just popped up on Barnstormers a couple of days ago that might be additional food for thought:

AIRCRAFT ENGINE • $9,800 • FOR SALE • Lycoming O-145 65 HP engine. O time since major overhaul, includes mags, harness, spark plugs & carb • Contact Darrell E. Bolduc - BOLDUC AVIATION SPECIALIZED SERVICES, INC., Owner - located Blaine, MN USA • Telephone: 763-780-1185 . • Fax: 763-780-1187 • Posted August 4, 2009 • Show all Ads posted by this Advertiser • Recommend This Ad to a Friend • Email Advertiser • Save to Watchlist • Report This A

Bolduc has a good reputation for their engine work...

Dan

[Howard Wilson]

Re: Changing from BL to BC? Pros and Cons??

Another point to know ahead of time is: that if you are changing cowlings, the open engine cowls fit a narrower boot cowling, while the closed engine cowls fit the wider boot cowl. So unless you have a choice of boot cowlings stick with the type of engine cowl that you have. (open vs. closed). i know.... clear as mud

[flylo]

Re: Changing from BL to BC? Pros and Cons??

I like these little engines.They're really only about 55HP but only 145 CI vs 163 for the Cont. I keep the exhaust supported & not just hanging, & once a year check the head bolts & check the valve adjustment (solid lifters). They are very smooth,perform as advertised,look better in an open cowl & were state of the art in their day.
If anyone needs an engine or parts let me know. I've collected 14(soon to be 15) of these in various condition from very low times to parts engines. I've never needed a single part on mine so it's time to thin the herd. Thanks! Eric

[larryarcher]

Re: Changing from BL to BC? Pros and Cons??

Thanks Guys for your quick responce. I am proud to be a part of all your wealth of knowledge.I look forward to hearing from more of yall.

Thanks Larry 478-455-4519