Engine Stand

FlyingArcher · #1 09-23-2008, 01:56 PM

Hello,

I was wondering if someone has already tried to use this kind of generic engine stand to hold a Lycoming (more precisely an O-320)?
http://www.homier.com/thumbnail_hdc....90&b=350&c=350

They're sold quite cheap on eBay and I'm tempted to give them a try, but I'd really would appreciate if someone would share their (good or bad) experience with that kind of tool.

Many thanks

John Courte · #2 09-23-2008, 03:08 PM

I'm using something very similar:

The detailed instructions are here:

http://www.mikesplayground.net/aviat.../eng_stand.htm

I would also make sure it's rated for the appropriate weight at the end of the moment arm. You can shorten the extension tubes by a couple of inches if you take the oil filter off, but that doesn't change things a lot.

Mel · #3 09-23-2008, 03:59 PM

The biggest problem with this type of stand is that it does not allow very good access to the back of the engine. This is where most all work is done on aircraft engines. The more practical stand that is normally used for aircraft engines is to mount the engine vertically on the crankshaft flange. This way you have access to the entire engine.

81T · #4 09-23-2008, 07:32 PM

Chop off the top and weld it to the side of the stand so the attachment is facing up. Mount your lycoming facing down. Works well!

Bruce

RScott · #5 09-24-2008, 09:00 PM

Lycoming doesn't recommend it because the flywheel wasn't designed for the stresses of all that weight hanging out there. Doesn't mean it won't work, they just don't recommend it because they haven't done the analysis.

Mel · #6 09-25-2008, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RScott

Lycoming doesn't recommend it because the flywheel wasn't designed for the stresses of all that weight hanging out there. Doesn't mean it won't work, they just don't recommend it because they haven't done the analysis.

Richard. I don't understand your statement. The flywheel is never attached to an engine stand. When installed vertically on a typical aircraft engine stand, the flywheel isn't even on the engine. The engine is mounted to the stand via the prop flange.

Brian Vickers · #7 09-25-2008, 08:32 AM

I have not tried using a conventional automotive style engine stand. For the past two weeks I have been assembling my engine for an hour or two after dinner each night. You need to be able to rotate it on the crank. Also, Mel is right; access to the rear is big deal. The stand I purchased was about $210, but well worth it. I occasionally see them sell on Ebay for almost the cost of a new one. Use it, then sell it.

RScott · #8 09-25-2008, 08:44 PM

Mel,

I should have said prop flange.

And Lycoming had no problem mounting the engine vertically; they just didn't like the idea of mounting it horizontally.

Mel · #9 09-25-2008, 09:09 PM

OK. I misunderstood. I agree it should not be mounted horizontally by the flange. It should only be mounted vertically.

IowaRV9Dreamer · #10 09-25-2008, 10:28 PM

At OSH I attended the Lycoming seminars on engine disassembly and assembly. They were excellent. I was suprised to learn that the factory build their engines horizontally and vertically. They first assemble the crank and rods on a vertical stand, but then drop it into the case which is horizontal in a fixture. After the case is together, they put it back on the vertical stand for the cylinders and back end parts.

That was how they did it as OSH also - they used a regular vertical engine stand like the one in the post above, but they assembled the case in a simple wood fixture on a bench horizontally.

I highly recommend the free seminars - incredibly knowledgable presentors.