I have a -J2A
Does anyone know if there are issues when the engine in a RV7 came out of a helo? Time in helo 339, total time now 475. The helo was used by Silver State which is out of business Thanks
I acquired an O-360-J2A from an R22 that ground rolled with 752 hrs since Lyc factory overhaul. (Not flying yet, inspection soon, but running and ground testing now).
Smokey Ray has posted also about his J2A experience - might search on that. He gave me a heads-up on the mechanical fuel pump, which was NOT used on the J2A so the accessory cover had to be removed to add the push pin, and swap the gear for one with a cam to push the pin. Relatively easy to do. Had to acquire a Lyc high pressure mechanical fuel pump for use with the AirFlow Performance Fuel Injection system compatibility. Apparently the R22 used dual electric fuel pumps which is one approach.
The J2A came with a SkyTec light weight starter, 149 teeth, and needed a 3" jumper added because it is NOT present on the R22. Something about the way the helo is wired for the solenoid. Cheap & easy.
The starter gear ring assembly used 7/16" lugs, which I replaced with Saber Manufacturing 1/2" lugs, to match the Sensenich Fixed Pitch prop (Vans cruise prop). But again, very easy change.
And the J2A sump vertical induction was sized for the 'derated' carb, so a sump swap appropriate to the induction of the servo of the AFP fuel injection was done.
Lastly, I swapped the Kelly Aerospace 60A alternator. which was very large, for a Plane Power 60A unit to avoid a cowl interference issue. The Left Mag is a 'retard' mag and I had to acquire the 'shower of sparks' starter vibrator to function correctly. (Similar to the often used SlickStart device.)
Basically it's not difficult but takes a little more than hanging the engine.
The price was right and the final configuration was achievable. Helo's generally have very good maintenance, the derated J2A extends the TBO (think in that config it's 2400 hrs, but don't quote me). In that regard I could probably say it's got 752 SMOH on a 2400 TBO engine but is now in airplane use at 180HP.