Franklin 220 conversion for a 1948 170

[N2613V]

I am looking into replacing my 0300 with a Franklin 6A 350. I am interested in any information on STC's and or photos of a conversion. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[GAHorn]

Did you first attempt a "search" on this subject in these forums?
There are several discussion threads on it, and below is only ONE of them:

http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... t=franklin

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

As that was your first post you may not have found or figured out how to use the search feature. So I've found a few more for you.
http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... t=franklin
http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... t=franklin
http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... t=franklin

In a nut shell I'm not sure I'd consider this unless I had several fresh Franklin engines sitting around enough for my life time anyway. And then if I wasn't worried about lowering the value of my airplane by installing an engine with very little and far in between support. And then I'm not even sure one could still purchase the STC if there even is one for the 220.

In any case one guy you might want to talk to is member Bruce Kown from Georgia. Haven't seen Bruce in several years but he is a current member. Bruce has or had a business, Classic Aire Inc., specializing in custom Franklin engines and accessories as well as engine mounts, propellers, spinners, exhaust and just about everything Franklin. His number is in our membership directory.

[Goode]

Member Bruce Kown does indeed have the STC for the Franklin 220 hp engine for the Cessna 170. An STC also exists for the Franklin 180 hp engine in the 170.

I have a Franklin 165 hp installed in my 170B as a listed engine in the TCDS (A-799) At a cost of $13,500 for the overhauled engine vs $20K and up for the Lycoming/Continental choices, I found it prudent. My engine was overhauled by Greg Lucas in Paul's valley, OK. He is a known Franklin engine expert and works with Bruce Kown. My engine also has a .010 Crank. This means if I get to overhaul time , and if the crank needs machining, then it can be turned to .020.

As an aside, the engine mount and exhaust for the 220 Franklin is the same as the 180 Franklin. Also, PZL (PMA for Franklin) is making new Cranks for the 220 hp Franklin.

Also, no AD's ever issued for Franklin engines.

I am very happy with my engine. It runs smooth and uses auto gas.

Good luck!!

[futr_alaskaflyer]

Hi Jonathan,

Glad to hear you finished your conversion.

[marathonrunner]

There are several 165 hp and 20 hp Franlin engines still going strong. I have worked on them and owned and flown planes with them most notably Stinsons and Aeronca Sedans. If you pay attention to doing some of the maintenance items required they will run trouble free for years. You do need to check the lifter clearance every 100 hours like you do with the solid lifter lycomings. A lot of mechanics are not familiar with them but parts are readily available. Being 6 cylinders they run much smoother than their 4 cylinder lycoming counterparts.

I would not hesitate to own another Franklin powered aircraft. Lack of knowledge by many mechanics and myths about them are their only downfall that I can see.

[marathonrunner]

Oops a typo it should be 220 hp Franklin

[ak2711c]

I maintain a 165hp Franklin and a 220hp Franklin for a couple clients of mine and so far I have not had any trouble finding parts. The only thing I noticed was fewer vendors that have the parts. You just have to call the parts stores that specialize in Franklins. If they don't have it they know where to get it.