O320-E2A converted to C/S = Problems?

[Saville]

Hi all!

I'm looking at an RV-4 (to buy) which sports an O-320 E2A. The owner says the engine was converted, by a previous owner, to a Constant Speed prop engine by, he believes, replacing the crank with a "hollow crank".

Also the 7:1 compression ratio was boosted to 8.5 via higher compression pistons.

Does anyone know of serious problems that occur when one converts an E2A in this way?

thanks!

[mahlon_r]

O-320-E2A at 160HP and those pistons is really an O-320-D2A. The regular O-320-E2A crankshaft and front bearing setup is constant speed capable. So all he really did was add a prop gov drive, CS prop mounting dowels and CS prop plumbing to a O-320-D2A. Which is not going to present any problem as far as the engine or its operation is concerned.
Merry Christmas,
Mahlon

[Saville]

Originally Posted by mahlon_r

O-320-E2A at 160HP and those pistons is really an O-320-D2A. The regular O-320-E2A crankshaft and front bearing setup is constant speed capable. So all he really did was add a prop gov drive, CS prop mounting dowels and CS prop plumbing to a O-320-D2A. Which is not going to present any problem as far as the engine or its operation is concerned.
Merry Christmas,
Mahlon

Is it correct to say then, that an E2A is the same as a D2a except the pistons?

Thank you Mahlon and Merry Christmas to you.

[Low Pass]

I flew a converted -E2A with a Hartzell CS prop for 13-14 yrs with zero problems. Had higher compression (160-hp) pistons and pins too.

[Saville]

Originally Posted by mahlon_r

The regular O-320-E2A crankshaft and front bearing setup is constant speed capable.
Mahlon

So how does one figure out which O-320's are hollow cranked and have the bearing setup for C/S and which cannot be converted?

thanks

[jrs14855]

320E2D, E3G, E2H, E3D and E3H were originally configured for 0 235 front main bearing. E2H and E3H are not listed for any production aircraft.

[Saville]

Originally Posted by jrs14855

320E2D, E3G, E2H, E3D and E3H were originally configured for 0 235 front main bearing. E2H and E3H are not listed for any production aircraft.

Is there a document somwhere that lists all the Lycoming engines and the bearings they have and the cranks they have?

thanks

[jrs14855]

I cross referenced the parts book for the 0 235 bearings. This is only and E series issue and only the ones I listed have the 0 235 bearings. It is easy to pick out in the parts book because the 0 235 nose bearing is four piece vs two piece on all others.

[Saville]

Originally Posted by jrs14855

I cross referenced the parts book for the 0 235 bearings. This is only and E series issue and only the ones I listed have the 0 235 bearings. It is easy to pick out in the parts book because the 0 235 nose bearing is four piece vs two piece on all others.

Is this parts book readily available? Can you supply a name and/or ID number? I'd really like to get a reference for things like this.

thanks!

[jrs14855]

They are available from Lycoming or Lycoming dealer/distributor. Very pricey.