Bl65 (l-2f)

[charliestith]

Just purchased N29847 a 1941 BL65. Still with the O-145 B2 engine. Got to do some prettying up to do but she seems solid so far. Sure the under the seat trim control will be interesting. Definitely going to need input at some point since engine parts are scarce. I'd like to keep it original rather than going to the C85 option that so many have but we will see.

[3Dreaming]

I had 29815. 41 is a good year to have. You should have 15 rib wings with built up ribs. I consider this to be one of the most desirable models. My BL with the Lycoming was sub 700 pounds. I think you could add 1 wing tank, do the 85 conversion with gross weight up to 1280. I think you could keep the empty weight around 730, and have 550 useful load.

[Ragwing nut]

I had 29815. 41 is a good year to have. You should have 15 rib wings with built up ribs. I consider this to be one of the most desirable models. My BL with the Lycoming was sub 700 pounds. I think you could add 1 wing tank, do the 85 conversion with gross weight up to 1280. I think you could keep the empty weight around 730, and have 550 useful load.

you sure about that? its not a bl12-65 deluxe so it should only have 13 ribs.

[waltermrich]

Glad you are on the Forum and for sharing you new purchase

[3Dreaming]

you sure about that? its not a bl12-65 deluxe so it should only have 13 ribs.

Yes. At least my 41 BL-65 had 15 rib wings, with matching serial number tags attached to the spars. I suspect when they started building 15 rib wings for the B*12 series airplanes, that they all got 15 rib wings.

[Ragwing nut]

Yes. At least my 41 BL-65 had 15 rib wings, with matching serial number tags attached to the spars. I suspect when they started building 15 rib wings for the B*12 series airplanes, that they all got 15 rib wings.

interesting, because part of the reasoning for 15 rib wings was the gross weight increase to 1200 lbs. I thought all standards still had the lower gross weight.

[TC747paul]

Congratulations!
Great looking plane, I have N29747 41 BC-12. I replaced the 65 with a 85 on mine and love the starter more than anything. it does climb better, not any faster, cabin heat is almost noticeable now
Let me know if you need any Lycoming parts. We have 6 full engines and +/- 4 partial engines on pallets on racks
Paul

[charliestith]

Didn't think I would be needing assistance quite so soon. The power seemed to be a bit low and an oil leak developed so had the mechanic take a look. Seems I have 1 blown head gasket and another that's iffy. Anyone have a source for gaskets? I have been pointed to a guy on the field who I am told can make anything I need. Just thought I would check if anyone has any originals. Any help or advice if I have to have some fabricated would be appreciated.

See the attached pic of the engine dataplate.