crankshaft IO-360 suitability

[blueldr]

A question comes to mind in the use of the IO-360 crankshaft as a replacement in the O-300 engines. On the earlier IO-360 engines the old style "Air Melt" crankshafts must be replaced, if the case is split for maintenance or overhaul, with the VAR crank. The same scenario is applicable to the IO-520. It is my understanding that the AD directing this change applies only to the IO-520 on these large engines, and an air melt crank removed from an IO-520, if otherwise serviceable, my be installed in an O-470 engine. If this is true, has anyone heard whether or not the same may be applicable between the IO-360 and the O-300?

[GAHorn]

... has anyone heard whether or not the same may be applicable between the IO-360 and the O-300? BL

BL.... "BootLegg"? Why would you care if someone else thinks it's ok?

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

BL.... "BootLegg"? Why would you care if someone else thinks it's ok?

George scores a rare point against the Blue Leader. (Hope this doesn't come back to haunt you George)

[GAHorn]

BL.... "BootLegg"? Why would you care if someone else thinks it's ok?

George scores a rare point against the Blue Leader. (Hope this doesn't come back to haunt you George)

Blu-Elder and I are good friends, as his and my telephone conversations affirm. I deeply respect Dick and love his straightforward attitudes about most subjects. I do wish he'd refrain from promoting "bootleg" mods/repairs here, mostly because his common-sense attitude toward many regulatory matters is refreshing, and his experience and expertise lends credibility to his opinions. I worry that some less-experienced visitors/folks might take up his logic, and that's not usually a good idea unless one is in the same position as he.... getting out of the "legit" side and into the "experimental", "do it yourself" or "sport aviation" side.

I wish he'd come to Reklaw, Pettit-Jean, or convention. I'd like to buy him a drink! (or two or three or.....)

[hilltop170]

It is my understanding that the AD directing this change applies only to the IO-520 on these large engines, and an air melt crank removed from an IO-520, if otherwise serviceable, my be installed in an O-470 engine. If this is true, has anyone heard whether or not the same may be applicable between the IO-360 and the O-300?

BL-
Call Continental and ask them, I'm sure they will give you the right answer.

[blueldr]

I am curious about the legality of the use of an air melt IO-360 crankshaft in an O-300 because a friend of mine has two early IO-360 engines out of a Cessna 337. He has bemoaned the cost of new cranks if he proceeds with an overhaul of them for resale. He also happens to have two or three O-300 engines that have cranks beyond limits for regrinding. There are no new O-300 cranks available and serviceable O-300 cranks are very difficult to come by. In view of the use of the IO-360 crank as a replacement in the O-300, I have wondered about the reuse of the air melt IO-360 crank as is done with the air melt cranks on the large engines. This would greately reduce the net cost of an IO-360 overhaul if the old, yet serviceable, air melt cranks had residual value as replacements in O-300 engines rather than being relagated to use as a boat anchor.

I'm sure Richard has the right idea. Continental is probably the proper place for a definitive answer. However, since they are in the business of selling new Continental parts, there my be some reluctance on their part to discuss this. I have never heard of Continentel offering removed, serviceable air melt crankshafts from either the large or small engines for resale. I'm sure they've had a good many of them that were,during overhaul or reman, removed over the years.

[GAHorn]

One of the TCM field reps might be a better source of info. I've talked to a couple of them who were very informative and not addicted to the company "Kool Aid".

Richard, what did that IO-360 crank end up costing you?

[GAHorn]

With regard to the idea of contacting field reps at TCM, the company has become very secretive about giving out that information. Here's the result of my latest, very persistent questions:

Central & South America Field Service Edgardo Martedi Ph 55-11-6251-1070 Fax 55-11-4153-6695

Lower Midwest Territory Field Service Bill Blackwood Ph. 316-773-3895 Fax 316-773-3898

Southeast Territory Field Service John Black Ph 334-625-0508 Fax 334-625-0509

Northeast Territory Field Service Dave Blanchard Ph 207-883-3150 Fax 207-883-2640

Lower Midwest Territory Field Service Cory Thompson Phone 719.276.6981 Fax 719.276.6982

Upper Midwest Territory Field Service Kirk Nelson Phone: 308-382-1417 Fax:308-382-0800

Southwest Territory Field Service Andy Baker Ph 775-588-7598 Fax 775-588-7698

Northwest Territory Field Service Joel Wattum Ph 907-486-5130 Fax 907-486-5616

Pacific Rim Field Service Ken Howard Ph 61-245-711-766 Fax 61-245-712-118

Europe/Africa Field Service Robert Ronaldson Phone 44-1865-327-627 Fax 44-1865-736209