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What do I look for in a GPU?

Smuggler

Smuggler

Well-known member
I picked up project boat yesterday.. It has a 6 cyl GPU on it but it's locked up. I was thinking that instead of trying to rebuild it I would just get another one. I called Steve's GPU warehouse and he said he has a LOT of units still in there case, all ready to go. He said I can look threw what he has and pick the one I want. That sounded good to me but I have NO idea what to look for :oops: I would like something I can bolt on and go. Without putting any more money in it so are there things to look for? Like should I pull the plugs and look in the cylinders for rust? Is there any way to tell how muck use it has had? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!!!

Also I have read there are several different ones out there like the Flanged E-185, Splined E-185, E-225 and I think even the PE-150 is a 6 cyl also?? Of course I would like to get the biggest bang for the buck and I don't want to pick the wrong one.. Is there simple ways to ID these different ones?

Sorry if these are dumb questions but this is my first GPU and I would like to get this one right the first time :)

Thanks in advance for any help :!: :!:
 
From what's been posted on the subject, rust and pitting seem to be the biggest problem with these engines. If you can obtain a bore scope to look into the cylinders that'll tell a lot. Oil leakage is always an issue, but the only difficult repair seems to be the crank seal. With any used engine it's a crap shoot unless it can be run enought to test the oil pressure and a leak-down test.
The PE150 (~220hp) is a GPU and thee choice IMHO.

It's unbelieveable how simple these engines really are!
 
It's probably locked up because of the rust in the cylinders. Pour a pint of automatic transmission fluid in each cylinder and see if that frees it up in a day or two. Pull all the cylinders and remove a rod and mic the crankshaft for wear. You may have a good bottom end and only need cylinders. Yours may be as good as the other ones. The only way to know if you have a good one is to tear it down and check the crankshaft journals and check the cam shaft. A certified repair station can inspect the crank and cam for not a lot of money and you can go from there.

I bought a spare 220 GPU with only 30 hours run time. It was shot and needed a fresh overhaul. Run time doesn't say much. The MD-3 generator used the PE-150-6 Continental engine. This is the 220 GPU. The E-185 and the E-225 either flanged or splined are 470 cubic inch aircraft engines usually found in Bonanzas. They are not GPUs.
 
i know where there is a stock ground power redy to go with mag starter flywheel headers and 2 barrell carb great running motor just bolt on and go for 3 grand firm. but its a really nice motor low hours.
 
Smuggler I know Steve and he has quite a selection and have bought 4 motors from him 4 friends and not a problem yet when it comes to motors he knows his stuff he is building my 540 right know very good dude if you go there take a look at his GPUs on his boats he also will help U in any way. LIke I said very good dude to work with
 
steve ain't kidding when he says he has a bunch of them around :shock: pretty good guy to boot

Locked up could be any number of things , personally I would maybe think about rebuilding that one as a conversation

E-185, E-225 when aircraft engines the PE-150 was a ground power unit

If you go with another motor form steve pm me a price of what you want for your old one I am about 5 miles up the road form him maybe we could work something out when you come to get a new one form steve if you go that route
 
THANKS for every ones input!!! The engine I got didn't have the intake tubes mounted on it and it has been sitting in the weather. I did put trans fluid in it last night and did get it to move some back and forth today but I don't think I want to chance just putting some new jugs on it. My thoughts now are... Buy the whole unit and tear this one down and rebuilt it for another project.

KR23 and Gold Hunter It is good to know that Steve has got a good rep that makes me feel good :)

Des and Goldhunter thanks for explaining all the E stuff! I learned something by your explanation but now I feel dumb :oops:

JT540 thanks for the offer..

Plumcrazy said try to get a std one.. Is there a way to tell from tho outside?

So what I am gathering is Steve is a good guy and knows his stuff so I would be safe by just telling him to give me a good one?

This site is something else!!! Thanks again to every one that posted some help! :D :D :D
 
i would check with speed wheelie about his chrome 220 gpu cyc, withe ring for 250 bucks.that is a real good deal.i did a 0470 angle valve conversion.i didn't notice any difference for the money i spent.if i was doing it all over again,i would get the chrome calenders from speed wheelie and leave it alone.i have talked to many well known a/c mechanic and they said i wouldn't get much more performance out of the conversing.give him a pm and ask him about his cylinders.i have chrome angle valve 0470 cyc. with the dome pistons and continental injection.and wish i left it all 220 gpu stuff. J M O
 
I have a GPU with dual mags and domed pistons I will sell for 5000 firm. Motor is still on boat and runs great. Includes ALL accessories (starter, alternator, carb, oil cooler, complete exhaust) AND a 3 blade sensenich prop. Also have spare cylinder piston and ring set.
 
He has a ad on the 5th page of the classifieds in the Aircraft engine section. Here is a copy of the ad..

Steve's GPU Warehouse

Description: 4,6,and 8 cylinder engines, Mags, Oil Coolers, Crank Shafts, Cylinders, and much, much, more.
Keywords: GPU PARTS/ Aircraft parts
Phone: 772-260-4235

So what do you guys do when you get one from him? What should I look for? Anything in particular? :?: :?:
 
SMUMGLER I KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS A COMPLETE REBUILT 220 CONVERSION TO A 520 FOR SALE I THINK HE SAID HE WOULD LET IT GO FOR 5,000 OR 5,500 NEVER BEEN RAN.
 
Smugglers Blues":2a89mzg6 said:
He has a ad on the 5th page of the classifieds in the Aircraft engine section. Here is a copy of the ad..

Steve's GPU Warehouse

Description: 4,6,and 8 cylinder engines, Mags, Oil Coolers, Crank Shafts, Cylinders, and much, much, more.
Keywords: GPU PARTS/ Aircraft parts
Phone: 772-260-4235

So what do you guys do when you get one from him? What should I look for? Anything in particular? :?: :?:
Click to expand...
Your dealing with the right person..He does good work and does it the right way!!
 
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