Is this a realistic project?

FlyingArcher · #1 01-08-2009, 01:00 PM

Happy New Year to all RiVeters

I have a used (1230h since new, but 30 y/o) O-320-E2A Lycoming that I will certainly completely overhaul before installing on my RV-9A.

As part of the rebuilding process, is it realistic to think of converting it to Fuel Injection? I'm already a strong believer in Electronic Ignition and would really like to combine it with (E?)FI.
I'm planning long ahead, but I intend to work on the engine while waiting between subkits delivery.
Could anyone here direct me to appropriate information, builders sites, manufactures, etc.. that would help me make my choice for an appropriate solution, if one exists in my specific configuration.
I.e. will I need to change the intake pipes, or drill them to put the injectors?

Thank you

N941WR · #2 01-08-2009, 01:45 PM

Daniel,

You may not have to overhaul that O-320, just give it a top overhaul.

Once you pull the cylinders you will be able to have a good look inside. If you see any rust on the cam or any other part, then overhaul it. If there is no rust, you have the option of giving the cylinders a light hone, fit new rings, and put them back on.

That's all I did with my O-290, it was overhauled in '59 and pickled and now with 200+ hours on it, it is running fine.

As for the EI, yes do that, the thing will run like a car.

The fuel injection is strictly a personal choice. You will want to have the carb rebuilt, which will cost around $650+/-, so figure that into your decision.

Do a search on fuel injection, you will find many links to the various options. One thing, get ready to open your wallet, it is not cheap. And for the cost, you can burn a lot of extra fuel.

PS. Big Healey's are very cool!

frankh · #3 01-08-2009, 03:27 PM

You can usually run FI LOP, (carbs can't usually be run this way) which will save a gallon per hour and pay for the FI system in short order.

EI will also provide gas savings with more advance at altitude.

Frank

penguin · #4 01-08-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingArcher

Happy New Year to all RiVeters

I have a used (1230h since new, but 30 y/o) O-320-E2A Lycoming that I will certainly completely overhaul before installing on my RV-9A.

As part of the rebuilding process, is it realistic to think of converting it to Fuel Injection? snip ...
I.e. will I need to change the intake pipes, or drill them to put the injectors

I looked at this is some detail. A kit to convert to Silverhawk injector (was Bendix) is available from people like Aerosport Power for around $3K, you will also need a high pressure electric pump for another $500. You will need cylinders that are drilled for the injectors - if yours are old they probably have the boss but it isn't drilled, so you could get them drilled by a good cylinder shop. Alternatively you could contact Airflow Performance who offer injector kits that fit into the primer ports - which your cylinders will almost certainly have. I would contact both companies and see what they offer.

Fitting the kits is quite straight forward. I'm assuming you will be using a vertically mounted injector, with the Silverhawk you may need reverse orientation mixture (so the lever does not hit the FAB air box) - but search on how others have solved that problem. With the Airflow Performance injector it can be time consuming to fit the FAB to the injector body as it is different to the Silverhawk, but there may now be an adapter plate available - ask AFP.

Hope this helps, Pete

frankh · #5 01-08-2009, 04:39 PM

Can be had from NAPA for about $130 but you will need a relief valve..I bought mine from AFP..Also need a check valve if going with the standard setup, an Andair valve will work or buy AFP's

Frank

Kyle Boatright · #6 01-08-2009, 05:03 PM

There is no reason to spend $8k or more for a rebuild unless there is something wrong with the engine. Why not defer that expense?

Other than calendar age, are you aware of any problems with the engine? Why not pull all 4 cylinders and check everything for rust and unusal wear? If you don't find any problems, button it back up, install it, and go flying with it.

pierre smith · #7 01-09-2009, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingArcher

......I.e. will I need to change the intake pipes, or drill them to put the injectors?

Thank you

......you don't drill the intake pipes. There are usually plugs screwed into the heads on the intake side, on top of the engine. Remove these plugs and screw in the injectors.

Regards,

penguin · #8 01-09-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierre smith

......you don't drill the intake pipes. There are usually plugs screwed into the heads on the intake side, on top of the engine. Remove these plugs and screw in the injectors.

Regards,

The problem with older E series engines is that some cylinders were produced on a budget and the boss for the injector was never drilled out. I have had an E2D and an E3D that both didn't have the bosses drilled, don't know specifically about E2As.

Pete

AZtailwind · #9 01-09-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penguin

The problem with older E series engines is that some cylinders were produced on a budget and the boss for the injector was never drilled out. I have had an E2D and an E3D that both didn't have the bosses drilled
Pete

I also looked at the I/O option. My 0320 E2D does not have the i/O boss after I upgraded to 160 HP pistons. It also has the smaller intake tubes so my upgrade is more like a 157 HP upgrade.

FlyingArcher · #10 01-09-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierre smith

......you don't drill the intake pipes. There are usually plugs screwed into the heads on the intake side, on top of the engine. Remove these plugs and screw in the injectors.

Regards,

Hi Pierre,

I've located small allen plugs and according to the Lycoming parts catalog I have, they seem to be used for a primer system. Am I correct?

Thanks to all for your help, I now have the feeling that this could be an interesting project. As I had this engine for a bargain price, I still have some budget for add-ons.
What will help make the decision is that the engine had its magnetos removed, and the carb visibly needs serious overhaul/rebuild, so the price difference with EFI + EI will not hurt that much.

Bill, I'll certainly follow your advice and have a thorough look before splitting the case. The good point is that I know for sure the history of this engine and it never had a prop strike or other mistreatments. It just has been pulled out of an airplane looong ago.