Buy another O-290-G or Upgrade?

[drdillard]

Hello all, this is my first post here and I'm looking for some insight on my current situation. I'm currently in the process of buying my first plane a Murphy Rebel with an O-290-G. The dilemma is that it appears the engine cylinder walls have surface rust on them. The engine hasn't run since 2023 and has been sitting in a hangar near the California coast. I have no interest in getting the current O-290 rebuilt. So the decision is to replace the O-290 with another O-290 or upgrade to a 320 or even a rotax. I have tracked down what appears to be a brand new O-290-G with a 290D crank in it that is brand new sitting in a crate. The engine has logbooks and was pickled before it was set on the shelf about 25 years ago. I can get that engine for 6K or do I spend 20-25K buying a mid time 320? I am a young guy who is definitely shopping on a budget so that is something to keep in mind. My main concerns are will running a 290 hurt the resale value of the plane and does anyone have experience with the parts availability of the 290?
TIA

 

[Dana]

If $6K engine is in good shape and the conversion was done properly, it could be a good deal. 25 years is a long time though; likely you'll end up replacing some rubber parts. Having the D crank is an advantage; the G crank is basically an O-235 crank. 290 parts are getting hard to find, though Mack truck pistons and rings can be used if the cylinders aren't oversize. A 290 case can be machined to accept 320 cylinders, though.

I had a very tired G in my Starduster and a D in my Hatz. Up until a month ago I was sharing a hangar with a Corvair powered Rebel.

 

[rhkennerly]

Gee, the 290-series was first run in 1939. Or you could install a higher evolved, modern, & well engineered aircraft engine, the Rotax with excellent spare parts availability.

 

[GeorgeC]

The dilemma is that it appears the engine cylinder walls have surface rust on them.
...
I have no interest in getting the current O-290 rebuilt. So the decision is to replace the O-290 ...

Is surface rust sufficient reason to condemn the current engine? Why not get the cylinders honed or a top overhaul?

OTOH, if you're on a budget, there is nothing more expensive than a cheap airplane.

Welcome to PoA!

 

[Dana]

Gee, the 290-series was first run in 1939. Or you could install a higher evolved, modern, & well engineered aircraft engine, the Rotax with excellent spare parts availability.

A Rotax would be a good choice for a new build, but would be a lot more work on an existing plane than simply replacing the 290 with another 290 or even a 320. And they're not exactly inexpensive.

 

[WDD]

I've never heard anyone say "I wish I had less horse power".


How long do you plan on keeping this plane?

 

[moparrob66]

I think you chose wisely with an EAB as your first plane. As mentioned before, consider a top overhaul on the existing engine and get the pickled $6k engine as a spare if possible. Do you have an A&P who will do the annual condition inspection? Its nice that aside from that, hiring a mechanic is optional!

 

[frfly172]

If your budget permits I would consider a rotax . If your going to have this plane for awhile,it should be worth it.

 

[WDD]

If your budget permits I would consider a rotax . If you’re going to have this plane for awhile,it should be worth it.

A rotax turbo to get max, limited time allowed 160 hp?

 

[Barrett50]

I don't know why repairing the existing engine has been completely rejected? Was the plane put up for so long due to a fault in the existing engine? Are their hours of operation on the plane with the existing engine? Not that I'm questioning why an engine on the shelf is better than the one in the plane now, but the words 'budget' and buying an unknown engine may be getting a pig in a poke. Or - it may be the greatest value of the century.

 

[WDD]

If the cylinders are rusted, the lycoming camshaft sitting above the oil is probably pitted/rusted, bearings, etc.

 

[rhkennerly]

A Rotax would be a good choice for a new build, but would be a lot more work on an existing plane than simply replacing the 290 with another 290 or even a 320. And they're not exactly inexpensive.

That’s true, but the op mentioned it as an option. And, as you point out, they’re not cheap. But parts are both plentiful & available. I don’t have any knowledge of 290/320 part availability or rates of repair. However, for some older engines I do see a lot of handwringing in vids & in the trader press about finding any engine at all to replace the worn out iron on some flying & project planes.