I am currently restoring a 1941 J4E I found in a barn last spring. It was taken apart sometime in the late 50's and passed around thru several owners over the years with no real attempt at a restoration by any of them as far as I can tell and what logs it was lost in a hanger fire years ago. I have airframe and engine logs from a AI that started new logbooks in the late 90's and what little info I can get from the FAA.
The engine that came with it is an A-80-8 and I was thinking a full rebuild would be in order but upon pulling a cylinder off we found all new internals along with new cylinders and pistons, I have no records of the rebuild. The engine data plate is nearly totally obscured but the serial number matches a 337 from FAA records of its install in 1947. I am attempting to get a new data plate but so far no response at all from Continental.
The quandary I have is that a A80-8 is not listed in the TCDS which allows an A-75-9 which would be original for this particular aircraft or A-75-8. I have learned that a A-85-12 is an option for a J4A.
The 80-8 is a very rare engine from what I understand, would I be better off trying to find a 75-8 or 9 or work thru the system and extra expense for an 85? can a A80 easily be converted to a 85?View attachment IMG_5234.jpeg
The engine that came with it is an A-80-8 and I was thinking a full rebuild would be in order but upon pulling a cylinder off we found all new internals along with new cylinders and pistons, I have no records of the rebuild. The engine data plate is nearly totally obscured but the serial number matches a 337 from FAA records of its install in 1947. I am attempting to get a new data plate but so far no response at all from Continental.
The quandary I have is that a A80-8 is not listed in the TCDS which allows an A-75-9 which would be original for this particular aircraft or A-75-8. I have learned that a A-85-12 is an option for a J4A.
The 80-8 is a very rare engine from what I understand, would I be better off trying to find a 75-8 or 9 or work thru the system and extra expense for an 85? can a A80 easily be converted to a 85?View attachment IMG_5234.jpeg
