C145/O300 Endurance/Reliability

[GAHorn]

It’s pretty amazing these old engine designs we’re flying behind when you think about it. No oil changes, no spark plug cleaning (and on leaded AvGas too!), no magneto mx.

As early as 1949 records were being made by this engine, 75K miles and 6 weeks (1008 hrs):

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And that record was broken yet again ten years later with a flight that lasted over 2 months, which was almost a Full TBO flight without any oil changes* or service (1558 hours):

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I once missed a timely oil-change by almost 30 hours. I don’t feel so bad about it now tho’.... despite having a spin on filter, I still shoot for 25 hr oil changes despite Continental allows 50 with a filter and 100 before the filter itself is changed. I always change filters as well at the 25 hr oil changes. I simply cannot believe its a good idea to run clean oil thru a dirty filter. YMMV

* The Hacienda airplane did have an outboard motor fuel tank filled with oil which was periodically pumped to the engine to replenish oil consumption.

[KFS1998]

Every time I pass by the LAS airport, I stop and stare at this airplane and pay my respects to the airplane and crew that flew it. Its hanging from the LAS Terminal Roof by the Spirit / Southwest terminal.

[bgiesbrecht]

Totally remarkable! Awesome post George