The Lycoming O-320 is one of the most popular engines for light aircraft. It consists of many different variants that are meant to support different types of aircraft. Different Lycoming O-320 exhaust system variants are also available to support planes such as the Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee.
A professional aviation repair and maintenance company with experience in providing aircraft engine exhaust systems can tell you about the best Lycoming O-320 exhaust system you should get for your particular aircraft.
This blog deals with the various aspects of the Lycoming O-320 engine and the significance it has in ensuring the maximum performance of an aircraft.
The Usage Of A Lycoming O-320 Engine
A significant reason behind the massive popularity of the Lycoming O-320 is the fact that it can be used in many different types of aircraft. For instance, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub is typically fitted with a 150-horsepower Lycoming engine. However, in some situations, the plane can also be fitted with an O-320-B2B engine that provides 160 horsepower.
The Lycoming O-320 has a displacement of 320-cubic-inches (5.24 L). This kind of displacement is perfect for smaller aircraft. Some of the other components included in the Lycoming O-320 exhaust system family are:
- O-320 carburetor
- IO-320 fuel injection
- AIO-320 and AEIO-320 fuel injections
- Reversing bracket
Comparative Engines
There are some other engines that are similar to the Lycoming O-320, such as O-235 and O-290. O-320 and other smaller engines have a 98mm stroke. However, the Lycoming O-320 engine can produce more power as its bore is increased to 130mm. The design of the Lycoming O-320 exhaust system also includes hydraulic tapes that facilitate the incorporation of hydraulically controlled propellers in the engine.
Working Of O-320
The Lycoming O-320 has a wet sump system. It provides greater lubrication that is often not present in other engines. All the major components, such as connecting rods, bearings, and taps, are well-lubricated. Other components like the gear, cylinder walls, and pins are lubricated through spraying.
An accessory-mounted oil pump is used to pressurize the oil system and ensure optimum performance. Moreover, a flexible hose is connected to the Lycoming O-320 engine via a remote-mounted oil compressor.
The 150 hp model that has a carbureted O-320 engine is capable of using 87 AKI automotive gasoline, and all 160 hp are allowed for 91 AKI. On the other hand, some models, like the H2AD model, cannot use 87 AKI automotive gasoline.
Also Read: The Impacts Of An Aircraft Exhaust System On Engine Performance
Different Variants
Choosing the best variant of the Lycoming O-320 engine that suits your requirements and the specific plane can be difficult. Generally, the ‘O’ and ‘IO’ models are the same. However, model ‘H’ is quite different in terms of its displacement and power rating.
Being familiar with such requirements can be challenging for an inexperienced individual who does not know much about planes and aircraft exhaust systems.
Therefore, it is highly recommended you rely on a professional company like us to get the best engines and exhaust systems from the experts. They can give you complete knowledge about the specific engine and exhaust system that suits your plane. Hence, you will be able to get the best variant of the Lycoming O-320 exhaust system.
Varying Configurations
Due to the wide-range of applications of the Lycoming O-320 engine, there are different models and possible configurations that you can use to support your aircraft. You can find 150 and 160-hp models of Lycoming O-320 engines that can further be classified into -A, -B, -C, and -D variants.
These letters represent the varying combinations of carburetor and injection settings. Generally, carburetors and injectors are located on the bottom, except for O-320-D, where the carb is located on the top.
These various variants are the reason why the Lycoming O-320 exhaust system and the engine is a highly useful and popular engine. It is capable of supporting the needs of different types of engines. Very few other engines have this kind of versatility.
Finding the perfect model and variant of the Lycoming O-320 engine can be challenging, so you should contact your professional aviation experts to choose the best engine and exhaust system for your aircraft.
About Acorn Welding
Acorn Welding is an experienced all-in-one company that deals with all kinds of aircraft-related problems. We provide high-quality aircraft components such as the Lycoming O-320 exhaust system and engine.
Our vast experience in the aviation industry enables us to deal with even the most complex issues. Therefore, if you want to buy a reliable engine or want aviation repair and maintenance services, you can contact us at any time.
