acam37
Well Known Member
My RV-4 salvage project is/was nearing the end of the re-build and just about ready for the engine start when we discovered that all the accessory drive gears were pitted and corroded due to the previous owner never flying the plane and not preserving the engine. After pulling a jug to look at the inside, the camshaft lobes were also pitted and corroded.
Now the engine, an 0320/E2G only had 400hrs SMOH (1991). After a complete tear down it appears the crank is ok and the top end looks good. But it will need a new cam, drive gears, oil pump gears to comply with AD, and the tappets need refurbished. I'm sure it will need other parts not mentioned. My question for the engine guru's is, what would be the best route to take? Rebuild the bottom end or sell what I've got and use the money towards a mid time salvage engine? My budget either way is around $5,000. This was not anticipated in the original plane budget.
Now the engine, an 0320/E2G only had 400hrs SMOH (1991). After a complete tear down it appears the crank is ok and the top end looks good. But it will need a new cam, drive gears, oil pump gears to comply with AD, and the tappets need refurbished. I'm sure it will need other parts not mentioned. My question for the engine guru's is, what would be the best route to take? Rebuild the bottom end or sell what I've got and use the money towards a mid time salvage engine? My budget either way is around $5,000. This was not anticipated in the original plane budget.