Le Rhone engine reproductions/parts

snj5 · 28 July 2009, 08:38 AM

I was researching and looking at some old threads and two folks said they were going to reproduce Le Rhone engines. Since no mention since 2006, I assume that it turned out to be too hard, or did these actually go forth?

If not, where does one go for Le Rhone engines, parts or rebuilds?

Many thanks

rt

John McKenzie · 28 July 2009, 09:26 AM

Hi ....snj5........First step........try your Bank......Then IF sucessfull , proceed to next step...This will be the easy bit....Good luck , JM

snj5 · 28 July 2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John McKenzie

Hi ....snj5........First step........try your Bank......Then IF sucessfull , proceed to next step...This will be the easy bit....Good luck , JM

Here's hoping that the rotary stuff is even available!

Thanks!

Maxim08 · 28 July 2009, 09:52 AM

snj5,
Don't know where you are located, but, if you are near North America, Fred Murrin is the person to work with.
LAst time I was in his shop (May), there were about 15+ rotaries for rebuild. He built 'Omega's Gnome detailed in another thread and rebuilds engines for Rhinebeck and The Vintage Aviator.

Budget 35 to 40K for a 80 leRhone. Not outrageous in a world of 30K Rotax engines.

Regards,
John

Dan_San_Abbott · 29 July 2009, 03:26 PM

Snj5:
These are not rebuilds, they are brand new engines.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

snj5 · 29 July 2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan_San_Abbott

Snj5:
These are not rebuilds, they are brand new engines.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

Wow.
You are referring to the ones at Mr. Murrin's?

Many thanks.

<edit> and where do I get in line?

Maxim08 · 30 July 2009, 05:56 PM

Don't confuse the contract work that Fred does overseas with what he does stateside.
Regards,
John

snj5 · 31 July 2009, 08:05 AM

Will try calling after Oshkosh.
I do need to get an idea of just what the TBO and how reliable these engines are, e.g., would you take one on a short XC?
Thanks everyone.

Leatherhead · 31 July 2009, 09:06 AM

SNJ5,

Fred told me some time ago the TBO for a Le Rhone is about 200 hours. This seems quite short, but these planes only fly 10-15 minutes at a time. If you fly twice a weekend, once a month, it will take you over 33 years to reach 200 hours.

Good luck trying to find a rotary. I've been looking for a Le Rhone for over 2 years. I've only come across 1 for sale. The owner wanted big time money for it, so I don't think he really wanted to sell it. I know of one individual with many 80hp Le Rhones, and I always hear rumors of others with Le Rhones, but no one is selling. Every time I call Fred and ask if he knows of any 110hp Le Rhones for sale, he says no.

It's amazing to read of Le Rhones that were selling for $9,000 USD back in 2001. That would be such a bargain today. Prices have really skyrocketed.