Using a Conti IO-360 on Patrol

[Olm]

Run over the forum for any information if anyone uses Conti IO-360 for Patrol. Or is it too heavy or any other reason it cannot be used for it?

[aerocarlo]

The Continentals are notoriously hard working and heavy. Plus 6 problems instead of 4.

[Paul Johnston]

No one has used the continental io360 on the patrol , but it’s certainly doable. We have one on a four place. If economics or avaibilaty lead you to this then crowd the firewall and add weight to the tail in the tailwheel area. Your bird will have an extra 300 lbs. you will have to choose between fuel or the passenger.on a good note the oil cooler is connected to the engine and you can use the propeller from a Cessna 337.The Lycoming 4 cylinder with a carburetor would be a much easier install.

[Olm]

Thanks for replyes. There is available engine from 337 back one for reasonable price.

[Paul Johnston]

Given your region, and the opinions aren’t great - I’d go for it.

[Utah-Jay]

I would think you will be a lot happier with a lighter plane.

[whee]

I have an Conti IO360 on my 4-place. Great engine, good power, easy on fuel, good prop options, but cylinders are a little expensive.

There’s a thread here somewhere about the weight difference between Lycomings and Continentals. You can’t compare the weights listed on the TCDS directly because they don’t include the same accessories. If you put a light weight starter and alternator on a Conti IO360 and compared its weight to an angle valve Lyc O360 you might be surprised how close they are in. Put a metal prop on both and the Conti might even weight less because it doesn’t need the heavy flywheel dampener.

However, the extra 2 cylinders will push the engine forward which might make the CG not great.

Personally, I wouldn’t choose to do this. However, if funds are a significant factor and forces you this way I think it’s totally doable. Done right and you’d be pretty happy. It will take much more time to accomplish that sticking with a Lyc O360.

[Olm]

Thanks for the information Whee. My fuselage farm if +10% heavier then it should be because I use local tubes. Probably CG will be ok because of it.