Question for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert: Can a Dynafocal engine mount for a Lycoming O-235 be used for an O-320? Same for an O-235 with a Conical mount for an O-320?
Jacques from France
Paul’s Answer: Bonjour, Jacques. With regard to your question about the Lycoming O-235 series engines and the types of engine mounts used, I’m going to require more information from you in order to determine the answer.
Many of the O-235 series engines do, in fact, use the Dynafocal type mount, as do many of the O-320 series engines.
However, to establish which engine uses which type mount, I need to ask for specific engine models.
For instance, the O-235-C series and several of the O-320 series engines use Conical mounts, while other specific models utilize the Dynafocal mounts. As an example, the later models of the O-235, such as the O-235-L and N series, use the Dynafocal style mount.
The specific engine models you are working with become very important in order for me to answer your question. I’ll look forward to receiving your response.
Jacques did reply with more specific information: Can a Dynafocal engine mount for a Lycoming O-235-L2C be used for a Lycoming O-320-E2D?
Once Jacques provided the specific engine models, it took little research to find the correct answer. Both the O-235-L2C and the O-320-E2D have the same engine mount configuration, which is Type 1 Dynafocal mount.
To all of our other readers, this underscores my reminder that any time you are asking a question regarding a Lycoming engine, it’s much easier for me to respond if I have a specific engine model and serial number.
Any maintenance history on the engine is also helpful, especially when troubleshooting a condition that has recently changed in the operation of the engine. I will never fault anyone for providing too much information.
By the way, this same procedure should be followed if you are seeking information dealing with any home appliance or your lawn mower because the person you may be speaking with on the phone has no way of knowing how to help you unless you provide them specific information on the product you are talking about.
