[snoop9erdog]

All,

I may have an opportunity to pick up a O360A3A 180 HP that had a prop strike. Crank is toast and dialed at .076. The seller told me that he hit a light upon landing which resulted in nose down force that caused the prop strike. Engine is approx 3000 TT with 680 SMOH. All accessories included FWF, Carbed, the starter has a little damage from fly wheel when the incident occurred.

maybe someone can chime in that has prop strike and engine rebuild experience regarding the beating that a lycoming can take? With a strike like this, would you be apprehensive about tearing it down and overhauling with new ECI Crank ($4200). I understand that there could very well be additional damage to connecting rods, valve, etc. But to what extent do you think it is?

What do you think?

Thansk,

Ed

 

[AZtailwind]

What extent?

FWIW Have seen a bad prop strike that bends the crank flange- had to red tag the case also since there was a crack in the front case- you need to get this engine real- I mean "real cheap" since everything needs to be sent off?

 

[pierre smith]

Buy it on condition...

...that the case and rods, etc will pass inspection. Let the owner hold a deposit until it's checked out. If the case and everything's ok, ante up the rest of the money, or do a similar deal.

We bought an engine off a storm flipped Comanche and the case was cracked and pinching the forward cam bearing (It landed upside down). The seller paid for the case repair and round trip shipping.

Regards,

 

[snoop9erdog]

Not a bad idea Pierre. He wants 4K. I was thinking on the order of 1500-2000. What do you think a fair price is for "as is" on a lot of unknowns?

 

[pierre smith]

Lycoming says...

...that after a prop strike (even water) the drive gear has to come off the rear of the crankshaft and the drive pin replaced, along with a new hold-down bolt and metal keeper tab. We just did this on a -4 that almost went over and splattered the Sterba prop.

$1500-2000 is a range where I really can't see you getting hurt and he may go for it on the conditional requirements I mentioned. If it passes, give him the remaining $2000, if he'll agree.

Regards,