Thanks, but no thanks.....on kit engines

[David-aviator]

.....I prefer to have someone like Monty Barrett put my engine together and test it on a dyno before first flight.

Yes, everyone needs to save money but this is one area where there is no substitute for experience. I've considered doing it and finally decided it is not worth the money saved as I am convinced not everyone can do a decent job assembling an engine - especially me.

Just food for thought for guys sitting on the fence with regard to this subject.....the money saved on a basic panel vrs all the glass goodies available these days will go a long way toward a professionally built engine.

[frankh]

Bearing in mind you get a warranty on a completed engine but a parts engine will only give you the warranty on the parts.

I have built hundreds of engines over the years and at the time the cost to have a shop assemble it was $1500 or something....As I'd never wrenched on a Lycoming the choice was clear..I had plenty of other things to do..

Another (psychological) thought...The RV's are travelling machines..I have never flown so far over such inhospitible terrain on occasion..Now I did torque that nut on the..didn't I?..

Frank

[Bob Axsom]

I have never worked on the inside of an engine used on an airplane. I definitely do not like being in this position of practical ignorance - general theory is only so good when you strive for improvement. I have worked on many projects and many technologies in the aerospace industry and I know that you can only fully appreciate the techniques and skills of the masters if you have suffered the learning and achieved some measure of success in the field yourself. That is what I miss. There are two areas that I have not touched in my personal attempts to make my airplane faster. One is the prop and the other is the engine. The thing that stops me is cost and not the reluctance to take on the challenge. If they had been available when I built my airplane I would have seriously considered that option.

Bob Axsom

[fliier]

For me, the engine was the one of the most enjoyable parts of the project. Seeing all those shiny new or rebuilt pieces before they came together really de-mystified the process.

John Allen
RV-6A

[DeltaRomeo]

Originally Posted by fliier

For me, the engine was the one of the most enjoyable parts of the project. ...snip

Me too. I have 800 hours on my ECi kit engine to date. Danny King (who has rebuilt several a/c engines) walked me through each turn of the wrench. A very educational and satisfying experience. We did mic every part. What surprised me most was the small number of parts.

I'd do it again (with Danny watching over my shoulder).

b,
d

[nucleus]

I don't believe that you give up the warranty if you build it at the Superior build school.

Hans

[N131RV]

Originally Posted by David-aviator

.....I prefer to have someone like Monty Barrett put my engine together and test it on a dyno before first flight.

Yes, everyone needs to save money but this is one area where there is no substitute for experience. I've considered doing it and finally decided it is not worth the money saved as I am convinced not everyone can do a decent job assembling an engine - especially me.

Typical Lycoming aircraft engines are no more complicated than a lawnmower.

Would I fly behind an engine I assembled? Absolutely. With good manuals, quality parts and a couple of "experienced" friends to help with questions, no problem.

Caveat:

I know quite a bit about engines in general, my IO360-A1B6 in particular. I would seek advice and help on any question that I was not absolutely sure of.

YMMV

[szicree]

Originally Posted by N131RV

Typical Lycoming aircraft engines are no more complicated than a lawnmower.

Not trying to start anything and while I agree with the spirit of this oft repeated statement, having built both I respectfully disagree. Dual mags and their drives, non-integral cyls, pushrods and their tubes, rockers, etc., and just more of everything make it a significantly bigger job than building a mower motor.

[Harland E. [n.m. u.s.a.]]

One of the most difficult projects I ever did was the rebuild on my '85 mr 2's 4-AG motor. Literaly HUNDREDS of parts ,not to mention the actual install,[talk about cramped] made it very demanding -but it still only took me a week.That engine was extremely complex but it has never failed me in the last 60000 miles and the satisfaction and pride and confidence it gave me made it all worth while.I took that experience to the Ford engine next and it was even easier.Basicly, if you can read and follow directions and dont mind getting dirty,if you can follow a RECIPE in a cook book,you can rebuild an engine and really come to understand and take all the mystery out of it.Lycomings appear to be fairly simple engines ,[but precise]and I'm personally looking forward to getting inside one and building it up!

[rv6ejguy]

It is all fine if everything is machined and toleranced correctly. If it is not, the inexperienced person may just assemble it (seen this dozens of times) and think all is well. Often times the kabbooom is not far in the future when this is the case. Lots to know to assemble an engine and what to look for that does not come from a manual- only experience. You need a full set of mics and gauges to really do it right. I never trust the machine shop to machine things right.

If you have a pro looking over your shoulder as you do it- that is a great learning experience.