The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Well Aircraft Specialties just called and the crank is cracked--probably has been for a while. Any good ideas for sources of serviceable crankshaft for my O-300A.? With new cylinders, a reconditoned cam, etc. this overhaul was already $8000. Suggestions?:(
Ron Williams

Very sorry to hear that Ron. I have heard people comment that they already have their crank, and they are still flying their 170. Makes me wonder if it is hard to find a good one and how expensive, for them to have procured one before overhaul time. Good Luck, hope you have good fortune, and someone on here can help.

Ron Williams wrote:Well Aircraft Specialties just called and the crank is cracked--probably has been for a while. Any good ideas for sources of serviceable crankshaft for my O-300A.? With new cylinders, a reconditoned cam, etc. this overhaul was already $8000. Suggestions?:(
Ron Williams

The crankshafts for the A-model engines are getting hard to find. Buddy McGown's engine shop rejected 4 before finally accepting the 5th one he found on the market. The C/D model cranks are easier to find because they were a later version used on so many C172's. If the worse case happens and if you don't have any luck finding a crank, ask your engine shop about converting your A engine to a C engine. The only difference between the two is the C uses a 6 bolt 1C172 McCauley prop in lieu of the 1A170 prop. (In other words, you'll have to buy another prop and spinner. The prop model changes from a DM or MDM to an EM prop.) If your present prop is in good condition maybe you could find a buyer to help with the cost.

(UPDATE: The Association has kindly been made the recipient of former prez. Ron Massicot's STC which approves the C and D engines (6-bolt cranks) and the EM props and spinners. It is available very inexpensively to TIC170A Members. Contact Headquarters@cessna170.org . Thank you, Ron!)