Author: "tring2000" <tring2000@...> Time: Sun Aug 3, 2003 1:11 pm PDT Link
Need to tap the memory of some of the senior homebuilders out there.
I'm starting an RV-9A in my garage. Strangely enough, I decided to
buy the engine first. I could go into my reasons, but that's another
story.
I bought an O-290 that was taken off an airboat (still running well
I'm told) a few weeks ago. I expected an O-290-G because that seems
to be what's most common. The history of the O-290 I've found on the
web states that the O-290-G was used in GPU's, and in some Piper
aircraft in the 50's. The vast majority of O-290's were produced for
the military during WW II. The O-290 was redesigned and became the O-
235 some time in the 50's.
To my surprise, the motor I got is an O-290-B. It has the original
data plate specifying that it was built for the Air Force in 1943
(then the Army Air Corps). The Air Force serial number has been
carefully obliterated. This strongly suggests to me that it was an
Air Force aircraft engine until sold as surplus. This is the first
I've heard of this practice.
Anyone out there ever heard of the Air Force selling these engines as
surplus? If so, did they sell them with or without logs (would
explain why it was being used on an airboat)?
It's a beautiful old monster, and I'm looking forward to restoring it
and taking it into the air again. Just curious about its' history.
Author: david.rogers1@... Time: Mon Aug 4, 2003 11:59 am PDT Link
I think it's great that you have a lot of time to restore your O-290-B.I am sure you got a great deal on it. Myself, I have never come across the O-290-B, only the D. As an engine guy I want to caution you that parts for this engine will be difficult (unless they are also used on the 235 or 320 Lycomings)and expensive (no PMA parts made solely for the 290). Try companies like Fresno Air Parts, Alamo Aircraft or El Reno for new surplus Lycoming parts and also check with engine shops about using pistons and rings from the more common O-235's (this will save more money).