QUESTION: Who did Lt. Russell Maughan take the air speed record from when he set the record in March 1923? Sue Hechinger Flower Mound, Texas ANSWER: Lt. Russell Maughan set his record in 1922, not 1923, when he won that year’s Pulitzer Race on Oct. 14 at 205.856 mph in a Curtiss R-6, beating a […]
Overhauled engine means relearning how it operates
QUESTION: First, let me say thanks for your excellent column. It’s always one of the first things I flip to when GANews arrives. In my 1947 PA-12 (I’m new to the plane, purchased after complete restoration), I have an O290-D2B with about 18 hours on a new limits field overhaul, including new exhaust valves, seats, […]
Should this engine have a fuel return line?
QUESTION: I have a Glasair, started by someone else, with an IO-320 engine. He has a fuel return line from the side of the throttle body going back to the bottom of the header tank. It is my understanding that there is not supposed to be a fuel return line on this system. I can’t […]
Lycoming engine pump for HO360-B1B
QUESTION: I purchased a Lycoming HO360-BIB to use in an experimental aircraft. I have to convert from a rear pressure carb to a downdraft carb. I purchased a sump (part #71871) for this conversion. This is the part number from an early Lycoming parts catalog for most 180 hp 360s. This sump has tubes that […]
Supply and demand drives engine choice
QUESTION: Paul, I have a Lycoming 0-235C1B installed in a Piper Colt. What are your feelings about an STC to install either an 0-290 or 0-320 engine in this aircraft? The 0-235 needs a top-end now, so I’m considering selling the engine as a core and installing one of the other engines. Mark Casillas Memphis, […]
Mixture lever positioning after idle cutoff
QUESTION: I operate a IO-540C4-B5 in an experimental. I am wondering about the correct position of the mixture lever after idle cutoff has been selected. Should I leave the lever in that position, or should I advance it (after the ignition is switched off) to full rich? Is there any benefit to the internals of […]
Can you have more power and reliability?
QUESTION: It seems that most automotive engines can be boosted in power to approximately one horsepower per cubic inch (obviously at the expense of reliability). Would it be possible to boost a Lycoming 720 engine to, say, 500 or 600 hp and be reliable enough to compete in a race such as the ones at […]
To restart or idle the engine: Which means more wear and tear?
QUESTION: I’m fortunate in that, in addition to giving glider rides, I’m able to fly the tow planes for a couple of glider operations. The tow planes are CallAir A-9s and Pawnees. All are equipped with O-540s. One of the organizations requires that the tow plane be shut down if the wait for the next […]
What engines should I avoid?
QUESTION: I have a 1969 Skyhawk with a Lycoming O-320-E2D engine. I think it is an excellent engine. I would like to update to a 1975-1980 Skyhawk. I heard Lycoming had trouble with engines in 1977-78. Is that true? What engines should I stay away from? What year did the company come out with the […]