With a plan in place to rebuild the engine, the restorer and his airport son set to work removing it from his military replica L-4 Cub inherited from his grandfather.
The goal: bring it to our hangar for disassembly and to send parts off for inspection, repair or replacement as needed.
With winter weather in the forecast and the holidays behind us, now was the time to act.
We met the airport son at his hangar, bundled up in warm coats and gloves against the chill. Once the heater warmed the space, the restorer and his son were able to shed a few layers and get to work. The propeller had already been removed before we arrived, making it easier to focus on detaching the engine.
Engine Removal
Before the engine could be taken off, the crankshaft seal needed to be removed. Since it was located behind the propeller mount, it was easier to tackle it on the airplane. The restorer and his son chipped away at the stubborn seal, which refused to come out in one piece. Bit by bit, chunks of it fell to the floor until they finally freed it entirely.
With that task complete, they removed the air intake and maneuvered the engine hoist into position. Carefully, they began removing the bolts that held the engine in place.
Once free, the engine was rotated ninety degrees towards the ground, resting on the propeller attach point, and secured to the engine stand. With teamwork and experience, the duo made the entire process look almost effortless, completing it faster than I had expected.
With the engine safely secured, it was time to move it to our hangar for the next stage.
As I opened the main door, they rolled the engine in.
No matter how many times I see it, the sight of aircraft parts moving down the taxiway still feels pretty neat. Watching them work together, it was clear that their shared experience and shorthand communication made the task flow smoothly.
Inside again, disassembly began.
Disassembly
At the restorer’s request, clear plastic boxes were on hand labeled for each cylinder to keep other parts associated with each cylinder organized.
Piece by piece, the engine was taken apart, starting with the oil tank, then each cylinder being removed and carefully stored in its designated box.
As they worked, the restorer commented on the good condition of the newly replaced parts.
With the upper parts of the engine removed, what remained was the crankcase and crankshaft.
The case, held together with bolts, was carefully split apart to reveal the internal components.
The restorer noted the color of the crankshaft bearings, indicating wear.
The crankshaft would need to be sent off to determine whether it could be repaired or if replacement was necessary.
What’s Next
With the engine now disassembled, parts will be sent out for inspection and repair or replacement as appropriate.
The restorer, along with another A&P/IA friend, will rebuild this engine along with another side-by-side through the project.
Though it’s a lengthy process, each step brings us closer to seeing this aircraft and more importantly the restorer’s airport son, take flight once again.
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