Cessna 175 with GO-300

[EchoKiloInID]

I’m considering buying my first (and probably last) airplane, and one that I’m currently considering is a C-175 with a GO-300. Cursory internet searches don’t treat the GO-300 well, but the oft used criticism is that pilot’s weren’t operating the engine as prescribed, with unusually high RPM compared to other engines. I’m hoping pilots here can shed some light and help steer me. My only experience is with 172-180 conversions. I’m also considering elderly 172’s with the 145 hp engine. Thanks

 

[Craig]

Geared engines require a little different operating procedures than direct drive ones. Adhere to their needs and they will last a long time.

 

[Bell206]

pilot’s weren’t operating the engine as prescribed,

This. As mentioned fly like you stole it. Perhaps find another GO-300 owner who understands this to give you some tips.

 

[Magman]

Just what are the issues being reported?

IIRC The cylinders are very similar to other small bore Continental.

“ Similar” is not good enough though and mix-ups have occurred.

Correct ones can be identified externally. Putting the wrong parts in

any engine is not good.

 

[bonefishpete]

I’d walk away unless really cheap. Pony up for a 172.

 

[Greg Bockelman]

I’d walk away unless really cheap. Pony up for a 172.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Devil/Details.

 

[Lowflynjack]

Even if they're run properly, the TBO is much lower. GO-300 is 1200 hours. O-300 is 1800 hours.

 

[Magman]

I have a little ( very little) time in a fixed pitch version.

I thought the performance was great.

It seems valve problems are the big concern.

Understandable with higher rpm..

My belief is much of this could be managed and there is much

info on the topic.

Oil filter, shorter oil intervals, proper leaning, cleaning guides

Mo- gas etc etc would help.

 

[Dan Thomas]

The GO-300s were last produced in Europe by Rolls, I think, over 20 years ago. I have read that it's hard to find stuff like replacement crankshafts.

 

[Roller]

I’m guessing there is a reason this plane is probably a “deal”

I’d pass

The only 6 cylinder 172 like plane you want would be a 172XP

Aside from that get a direct drive 4 banger with as much HP as the wallet allows

 

[bonefishpete]

The GO-300s were last produced in Europe by Rolls, I think, over 20 years ago. I have read that it's hard to find stuff like replacement crankshafts.

My thinking. Even 0-200 cranks are hard to find supposedly. Cessna 172 I’d go with 68’ or later and get the Lycoming ones price aside.

 

[Dan Thomas]

I’m guessing there is a reason this plane is probably a “deal”

The 175 was built between 1958 and 1962. That makes the youngest of them 63 years old. If it hasn't been carefully maintained and cared for, it could reveal some real show-stoppers at the new owner's first annual.

There is no such thing as a cheap old airplane.

 

[Roller]

The 175 was built between 1958 and 1962. That makes the youngest of them 63 years old. If it hasn't been carefully maintained and cared for, it could reveal some real show-stoppers at the new owner's first annual.

There is no such thing as a cheap old airplane.

For such a new plane?

Mine was built in the 40s and is probably better than it was in its new state with its old dope & cotton livery compared to new fabric, paint, coatings on the frame, new engine oil types, etc.

My annuals are <1500 and I have nearly zero AOG

Any aircraft past warranty can be a basket case if she’s not flown or cared for right

 

[Dan Thomas]

For such a new plane?

Mine was built in the 40s and is probably better than it was in its new state with its old dope & cotton livery compared to new fabric, paint, coatings on the frame, new engine oil types, etc.

My annuals are <1500 and I have nearly zero AOG

Any aircraft past warranty can be a basket case if she’s not flown or cared for right

That's the nice thing about fabric. When it ages it can be replaced. Not so easy with aluminum, and in the case of aluminum it's also the structure. Corrosion, if serious enough and in the wrong places, can make the whole thing a writeoff.

As a mechanic I have worked on some clean old airplanes and some real shockers. My point was that 63 years is long enough for some serious damage to accumulate, and that it tends to accumulate when annuals are casual and shallow. The bill can be deferred only so long.