Sam at Croft Farm carried out an inspection of my Lycoming O-360-A3A engine. It… definitely needs some work, but based on a call with him, it’s reasonable for an engine of its age that hasn’t flown in so long.

Engine Notes

  • Strip commenced on 30/11/2020.
  • Removed both magnetos, alternator, exhaust system, main baffles, intercylinder baffles, engine mount frame and all four cylinder and piston assemblies.
  • After discussion between Gareth, Pete and Sam, it was decided to strip cylinder assemblies and check the condition of the valves, guides and springs.
  • On inspection the following was evident :
  • Cylinders no. 1, 2 and 4 corroded.
  • Cylinder no. 3 channel chrome.
  • Rocker shafts worn (u/s).
  • Fuel pump – no blanks on fittings – attach bolts not wire locked?
  • Vac pump – no blanks on fittings.
  • Exhaust roto-caps worn (u/s).
  • Left magneto – S4LN-21 S/N:A210871 (impulse) points burnt. To be serviced.
  • Right magneto – S4LN-20 S/N:A212569 points appear ok. To be serviced.
  • Carburettor MA-4-5 10-4164-1 S/N:K-42-7972 fittings not blanked, no blue float mod, accelerator pump seal hardened, dirty inside bowl – to be overhauled.
  • Exhaust stack support springs – some broken and missing.
  • Intake valves u/s.
  • Exhaust valves u/s.
  • Gudgeon pins corroded u/s.
  • Exhaust flanges burnt.
  • Exhaust studs u/s.
  • Intake valve guides worn u/s.
  • Exhaust valve guides worn u/s.
  • Camshaft lobes and followers appear ok. Return to service.
  • Camshaft gear and idler gears appear ok. Return to service.
  • Crank & camshaft assembly rotated freely before and after piston and cylinders were removed.
  • Conrod and bigend bearings appear ok. Return to service.
  • Conrod small end bushes appear ok. Return to service.
  • Oil filter old style screen.
  • Spark plugs appear ok – possible re-use subject to clean and test.
  • Rocker arm bushes appear ok. Return to service.
  • Magneto drive gears appear ok.
  • Both HT harnesses appear ok.
  • Flex hose connecting both oil cooler unions at rear cover.
  • Engine internals inhibited and all cylinders, pistons and components slaved on to sub assembly.

A few things to fix towards the end of the build…