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The engine apparently did have test run time. Piston was cracked around the bottom oil ring groove. From the inside, it looks like maybe a casting flaw, but extends into the groove. Since we haven’t checked dimensions yet, could be a standard size piston in an oversized cylinder, but that’s just speculation.
I flew my 0-235 Clipper for 4 years. Flew it to SnF ( 550miles) twice with 3 adults (total people wt.420#) and OSH 3 times with two of us at 1650 lbs. I considered it to be a very capable airplane.
The only time I flew a trip with less than full tanks was out of my grass strip with 50 foot trees; only 18 gallons. Yes the O320 was a big improvement. I helped Steve ferry an 0-235 Clipper from Evergreen, OR to Texas, no issues. Of course between the two us we total about 300 lbs.
On the other hand with the O-320 at full gross weight of 1800 lbs AirVenture bound the trees which are now 60 feet are not an issue.
I guess perceptions vary depending on what airplane you regularly flew prior to the Clipper.
I would like to go an O-320, but I don’t see that in the budget right now. The PA-16 with the O-235 is a very capable airplane. You just need to work within the limits. I live on the east coast, so I don’t have to contend with high altitude airports for the most part. I suspect 80-90% of my flying will be by myself, maybe 5% with my wife and maybe 5% with my kids and grandkids. I’ve flown a lot of underpowered airplanes and understand those limitations. Believe me, I know it won’t perform like my Howard did!
Think I found my Clipper an engine, if I can find a buyer for my 1000 hour 235-C1.. if I can get 7 grand for it maybe this guy will accept my 8000 offer for this o320, my Clipper dressed out at 1060 empty, with a good climb prop and this 320-A1A it should handle these hot summer days much better. Tired of paying gold prices for O235 parts when o320 parts are aluminium priced
Think I found my Clipper an engine, if I can find a buyer for my 1000 hour 235-C1.. if I can get 7 grand for it maybe this guy will accept my 8000 offer for this o320, my Clipper dressed out at 1060 empty, with a good climb prop and this 320-A1A it should handle these hot summer days much better. Tired of paying gold prices for O235 parts when o320 parts are aluminium priced
My goal is 870 empty for mine. That’s with the O235 and a 76AM-2 prop. The last weight was about 910, but I’m going with an EarthX battery, L40 alternator, Skytech lightweight starter, no insulation or headliner, and Sutton exhaust. Dope finish with tapes only where the Piper drawings show and uncertified lightweight fabric on the interior.
Going to the O-320, you gain 5 lbs for the prop, and 11 lbs in just the dry weight of the engine.
With the 150 horse engine in that light of a plane you would have one heck of a sleeper in a STOL competition, throw Ferguson booster tips on it and you would give some super cub pilots a run. Once you have it all finished and fly it awhile you will see why people go with a 320, cost of parts and limited performance.
With the 150 horse engine in that light of a plane you would have one heck of a sleeper in a STOL competition, throw Ferguson booster tips on it and you would give some super cub pilots a run. Once you have it all finished and fly it awhile you will see why people go with a 320, cost of parts and limited performance.
Not been my experience. Gets out great but short wing and no flaps it still lands fast. Great airplane just not my pick as a STOL airplane. Do all that to a Pacer and you have a decent priced STOL capable airplane. I love the control harmony of the stock Clipper wing and controls. Best slipping airplane ever. I light weight Clipper, solo with an O-235 and 6 gallons of gas is a lot of fun just playing around.
So it's been a long time since I updated this thread. Was out working on the airplane yesterday, got all the controls out, the firewall off, and almost everything else off the fuselage than can come off. Welded in the tube for the front seat belt attach fitting. Had Clyde make up a custom panel for me, drawing attached. panel.jpg
Picked up a set of Aero M1800 skis and have a request for a Field Approval in for them.
Still working on the Gross Weight Increase STC, but everything has been slow going. Work has been busy and with COVID, there have been a lot of homebuilts finished up that need airworthiness certificates, seems like I'm out doing that more than working on my own stuff! I'm sure i've done more than listed, but don't remember right now.
Re: PA-16 serial 16-13 restoration
Originally Posted by PA-16
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