Engine value question

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jwvair65
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Apr 14, 2019 11:44 am

Engine value question

Post by jwvair65 »

Hi All,
I'm new to the forum. I bought Piet plans a few years ago. I'm ready to get started on it now, but have come across a partially complete project, including a Model A engine that's been completed and is ready to install, with aluminum head, radiator and prop. I'm planning to use a Continental 65 I already have for my own project, so I don't need the Model A engine. I'd like to find out the resale value of the Model A, and if there's a market for it. The workmanship on the plane and engine is very nice, which is the only reason I'm considering it in the first place. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. - John
Brian Amato
Posts: 112
Joined: Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:23 am

Re: Engine value question

Post by Brian Amato »

What shape is the Model A engine in? Was it just recently rebuilt? How long has it been sitting without running?
I'd pull the pan and get a look at the Babbitt job and see if there are any pieces of Babbitt floating around in there. No joke. We find it all the time. Guys that don't know how to do a Babbitt bearing job. Pull the head and look at each cylinder. Cracks in any of the webs between the cylinders? Check the head for warp. How do the valves and seats look? Stuff like that. For sure there is a Model A guy in or near your town who can guide you.
Once you determine the condition of the engine, it's really what ever the market will bear. Around here, I've seen very serviceable engines that came out of a running car that have NOT been rebuilt lately, going for $450 and I've seen total rebuilts on the web for $3,500.
Ordaz
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Apr 24, 2019 4:00 am

Re: Engine value question

Post by Ordaz »

Do you know of a trusted video on how to do a Babbitt bearing job by any chance, Brian?
There are many reasons to try these lightweight wheelchairs so give them a chance.
Brian Amato
Posts: 112
Joined: Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:23 am

Re: Engine value question

Post by Brian Amato »

Ordaz: You don't want to try to do a babbitt job by yourself. In fact, you can't unless you have all the specialized equipment. I help my buddy here in town who spent a lot of money and time learning the trade and has all the equipment. Heater and crucible to melt the babbitt, the dams you need to fit on either side of the bearing journals, the align boring fixture that has to be VERY accurate, knowing how and where to peen the babbitt, the right tool to create the oil grooves....on and on. There are videos you youtube you can watch but you really need to take your block and head to a pro.
Rods....buy then already babbitted from someone like Snyder's Antique Auto Parts. Balance them unto each other before you assemble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lgk8NRl9mE
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