Reason 127 why Franklin engine conversions are a bad idea

[ddr36d]

I installed a Lycoming 0-360 in my 170B in 2004 using the Del-air conversion. Maybe I'm lucky but I have almost 4700 hours since then and the cowling looks good. No windshield cracks either. I think the Del-air conversion is better than the Avcon, at least the nose cowl is a lot better looking.
Don

[Ryan Smith]

I installed a Lycoming 0-360 in my 170B in 2004 using the Del-air conversion. Maybe I'm lucky but I have almost 4700 hours since then and the cowling looks good. No windshield cracks either. I think the Del-air conversion is better than the Avcon, at least the nose cowl is a lot better looking.
Don

Good grief! That's 427 hours a year. How much time does your airplane have on it?

[marathonrunner]

This is how you fix the cowling cracking issue. Get rid of the flexible hose and make this. I am not sure if I did a 337 or just showed it to the inspector and he agreed that it would keep the flow going airwise and stop the cowling from cracking. I have never had a crack since doing this about 600 hours ago. I can take measurements and post them but I used a cardboard template and just cut and fit until it worked. The engine shakes like any 4 cylinder but the whole induction system is floating so no cowling cracks

Makes taking the cowling on and off a lot easier too