Wonder what I can see through here

[bnt83]

Lycoming O-320-E2D with a fixed pitch prop. Pulled the plug in the end of the crankshaft and went on a treasure hunt.

Conclusion: You may be able to see an amazing amount of the engine inside by going in from the front. The scope I used was long enough to reach all the to aft of the crankcase, I could easily see the bolt hole holding the crackshaft timing gear to the crankshaft. Its a little tricky to see cylinder #3 and #4 cam lobes as the #1 & #2 connecting rods are blocking the hole the scope passes through

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

That's pretty cool!

Is that something that could be done somewhat unobtrusively in a pre-buy? Just thinking what a seller would allow and I'm not picturing what needs to be removed - prop?

 

[bnt83]

That's pretty cool!

Is that something that could be done somewhat unobtrusively in a pre-buy? Just thinking what a seller would allow and I'm not picturing what needs to be removed - prop?

Yes, on some engines. Others have solid crankshafts, others have a plug in a place that cannot be R&Red without engine disassembly.

Spinner, prop, and $5 plug removed. The $5 plug is discarded (destroyed to remove it). It's super easy to do.

 

[cgrab]

Wow, I wish I had known this when we pulled our prop to replace the fan belt. Maybe next time.