Why keep the engine certified?

[Hank Clark]

It's going to cost a bundle of money, you know.  My 0-320 still has the registration plate, but it would be a lot easier if I just yanked the thing off so I could do my own work.  Does anybody really keep it certified in case they want to sell the engine some day?

[Drew]

You can do your own work on a certified engine in an experimental aircraft.  You will still need someone (A&P) to sign off on your condition inspection.  Some A&Ps are a little more comfortable if they see some of the work that you have done during the year as it is being done---to kind of check on you.  Other A&Ps---it does not matter.

I ran both my 0320 Longez and O360 Cozy as experimental engines since they had experimental parts----things like car alternators, uncertified electronic ignition, etc.

To tell you the truth, I think that a hotrodded experimental engine probably has more value than a certified engine.  Of course the Cessna type people won't be able to install your engine--but hey, what the heck---a lot of experimental guys will take it!

[Waiter]

Why would you yank the plate off???

I may be naive, but I doubt many engines from experimentals find their way back into certified.

Get your wrenches and have at it. My only caveat would be, have enough sense about you to know when to ask for help.

Good Luck

Waiter

[Juan Rivera]

I think if you install a certified engine in an experimental it is no longer certified.  If you were to sell it, the buyer or you would have to prove that every thing was orginal and all the required AD's were complied with.

[Drew]

I got into experimental aviation to avoid the needless 4x+ costs.  Who sells an engine out of their Longez to a certified guy anyway?

I bought my Longez engine from Lycon---got a 0320EXP---a VERY good engine----and much better than any certified 0320 engine.  It was uncertified due to all the other goodies they did to it.  Superior also sells their experimental 0360.

A lot of part manufacturers sell uncertified and certified parts.  For the most part, the difference between these two parts is the STC that goes with the cert part.

I can put a 400 dollar aircraft alternator on my airplane-----or get a 100 dollar auto alternator that is for the most part, the same thing.

My engine in my Cozy is a Lyc 0360----however, it has a superior crank and Rose ignition.  I don't have the crank problems that all the certified guys have----and I have a modern ignition system.

Once again, why would I go to the trouble to maintain a certified engine?  Did I wander into the Cessna forum again??   :wink:

[GlennBob]

Here's the poop on the scoop ! !   Or is it the other way around ?

Seems like there's a lot of " Opinions " out there, and now I'll add mine. If you really want the truth, you may have to dig into reliable sources, you know, . .like the FAA or AOPA or EAA.  

Near as I understand,  you cannot legally leave the certification plate on an engine that has been altered from stock. ( No electronic ignition / high compression pistons etc. ) because it is no longer certified.  But, you may want to hang on to the placard, in case some day you want to have it rebuilt as a certified engine. ( Return to stock ). As to the value, it's anybodys guess.  If you can find a buyer who recognizes the value you have in it and if you can assure him it's as reliable as stock, you may get the same bucks for it.