Wise List-
I’m new to the list, and new to airboating. I just bought my first airboat last week. It’s a 14’ Freedom Craft with an O-470 GPU. I love the boat, but the engine needs some help. I bought it knowing it needed work, so this isn’t a surprise. Here’s the situation: The engine runs great, but it uses oil, smokes a bit and occasionally fouls a plug. Compression test showed 80/30. Cylinders are stamped “020�, indicating they have already been bored .020 over. One lifter ticks a bit at idle, so there may be a slightly worn camshaft. Oil pressure is good with about 25 psi at hot idle. Did I mention the engine starts right up, idles smooth, and runs strong? The options I see are the following:
1- Top end rebuild with rebuilt cylinders. Since my cylinders have already been bored .020 over, I think they would have to be rechromed or relined, and I would have to by new pistons. Seems pretty high dollar.
2-Just find a set of used cylinders and pistons and bolt them on.
3-Find another engine, swap it out and sell my existing one cheap.
Whatever I do, I would like to end up with cylinders drilled and tapped for a second set of plugs. I have an acquaintance who is an A&P mechanic, and will do the work for a reasonable price. What does the list think is my best option? Any good ideas for sources of parts? Any other ideas I haven’t thought of?
Thanks in advance for the help.
TC
I’m new to the list, and new to airboating. I just bought my first airboat last week. It’s a 14’ Freedom Craft with an O-470 GPU. I love the boat, but the engine needs some help. I bought it knowing it needed work, so this isn’t a surprise. Here’s the situation: The engine runs great, but it uses oil, smokes a bit and occasionally fouls a plug. Compression test showed 80/30. Cylinders are stamped “020�, indicating they have already been bored .020 over. One lifter ticks a bit at idle, so there may be a slightly worn camshaft. Oil pressure is good with about 25 psi at hot idle. Did I mention the engine starts right up, idles smooth, and runs strong? The options I see are the following:
1- Top end rebuild with rebuilt cylinders. Since my cylinders have already been bored .020 over, I think they would have to be rechromed or relined, and I would have to by new pistons. Seems pretty high dollar.
2-Just find a set of used cylinders and pistons and bolt them on.
3-Find another engine, swap it out and sell my existing one cheap.
Whatever I do, I would like to end up with cylinders drilled and tapped for a second set of plugs. I have an acquaintance who is an A&P mechanic, and will do the work for a reasonable price. What does the list think is my best option? Any good ideas for sources of parts? Any other ideas I haven’t thought of?
Thanks in advance for the help.
TC
