Lycoming O-360: The Art of Reliability

Lycoming O-360 is one of the most widely used and versatile engines in general aviation. Known for its reliability, efficiency, and robust performance, the O-360 series has powered countless aircraft since its introduction.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the Lycoming O-360, covering its history, design, specifications, applications, and maintenance.

History and Development

The Lycoming O-360 was introduced in the 1950s as part of Lycoming’s family of horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engines.

Over the decades, it has become a staple in the aviation industry, powering a wide variety of single-engine aircraft.

The engine’s design has evolved to include several variants, each tailored to meet different performance and operational requirements.

Lycoming O-360 Design and Features

The Lycoming O-360 is a horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It features a compact design that balances power output and weight, making it suitable for various general aviation applications.

Key design features include:

Configuration: Horizontally opposed four-cylinder
Cooling System: Air-cooled
Displacement: 361 cubic inches (5.9 liters)
Fuel System: Carbureted or fuel-injected
Ignition System: Dual magnetos for redundancy and reliability
Lubrication System: Wet sump

Lycoming O-360 Specifications

Here are the detailed specifications for the Lycoming O-360 engine:

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Lycoming Engines
Model	O-360 Series
Configuration	Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder
Displacement	361 cubic inches (5.9 liters)
Bore x Stroke	5.125 in x 4.375 in (130.2 mm x 111.1 mm)
Compression Ratio	8.5:1 to 9.0:1 (varies by model)
Power Output	180 hp to 200 hp (134 kW to 149 kW)
Fuel Type	Aviation gasoline (100LL)
Fuel System	Carbureted or fuel-injected
Ignition System	Dual magnetos
Weight	275 lbs (125 kg) (dry weight)

If you are interested you should read about the Lycoming O-320

Lycoming O-360 Performance and Variants

The Lycoming O-360 series includes several variants, each designed to meet specific performance and operational needs:

O-360-A1A: The standard version, producing 180 hp with a carburetor.
O-360-C1G: A variant designed for helicopters, producing 180 hp.
IO-360: A fuel-injected version offering improved fuel efficiency and throttle response, producing up to 200 hp.
AIO-360: An aerobatic version capable of inverted flight, producing 180 hp.
HIO-360: A helicopter version, producing up to 200 hp with fuel injection.

Lycoming O-360 Applications

The versatility of the Lycoming O-360 engine has led to its widespread use in a variety of aircraft, including:

Piper PA-28 Cherokee: One of the most popular training and personal aircraft, powered by the O-360 in various models.
Cessna 172S: A higher-performance variant of the iconic 172 series, featuring the O-360 engine.
Mooney M20: A high-performance single-engine aircraft known for its speed and efficiency.
Bellanca Super Viking: A high-performance aircraft favored for its speed and handling characteristics.
Robinson R44: A popular light helicopter powered by the HIO-360 variant.

Maintenance and Performance Upgrades

The Lycoming O-360 engine is known for its durability and ease of maintenance.

Regular maintenance includes oil changes, spark plug replacements, and inspections of the magnetos and fuel system.

For those looking to enhance performance, various aftermarket parts and upgrades are available:

High-Compression Pistons: Increase power output by raising the compression ratio.
Electronic Ignition Systems: Improve reliability and efficiency compared to traditional magnetos.
Lightweight Starters and Alternators: Reduce weight and improve starting performance.
Exhaust Systems: Performance exhaust systems can enhance power output and reduce weight.
Fuel Injection Conversions: Converting from carburetion to fuel injection can improve fuel efficiency and throttle response.

Lycoming O-360 Price

The price of a Lycoming O-360 engine can vary widely based on its condition, whether it is new, rebuilt, or used, and any additional features or modifications. As of 2024, prices generally range from:

New Engines: $30,000 to $45,000 – Factory-new engines with the latest specifications.
Rebuilt Engines: $20,000 to $35,000 – Engines that have been disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt to factory specifications or better.
Used Engines: $10,000 to $20,000 – Engines sold as-is, which may require significant work to reach optimal condition.

Lycoming O 360 Overhaul Cost

The cost of overhauling a Lycoming O-360 engine generally includes labor, parts, and any necessary machine work. As of 2024, the cost breakdown is as follows:

Labor Costs:
- Professional Overhaul Shop: $5,000 to $10,000
- In-House Overhaul (if applicable): Lower labor costs but may require specialized tools and expertise.
Parts and Components:
- Basic Overhaul Kit: $3,000 to $5,000 (includes gaskets, seals, bearings, and other essential components)
- Replacement Parts: $2,000 to $8,000 (cylinders, pistons, valves, camshaft, crankshaft, etc.)
Machine Work and Specialized Services:
- Cylinder Reconditioning: $1,000 to $2,000
- Crankshaft Inspection and Reconditioning: $500 to $1,500
- Accessory Overhaul (magnetos, carburetor/fuel injection system, starter, alternator): $1,000 to $3,000
Miscellaneous Costs:
- Shipping and Handling: $200 to $500
- Testing and Certification: $500 to $1,000

Total Overhaul Cost:

Professional Overhaul: $12,000 to $25,000
In-House Overhaul: $8,000 to $15,000 (depending on the availability of tools, expertise, and parts)

Lycoming O 360 Overhaul Time

The time required to overhaul a Lycoming O-360 engine depends on the complexity of the overhaul, the availability of parts, and the workload of the overhaul shop. Typical timeframes are:

Professional Overhaul Shop:
- Average Turnaround Time: 4 to 8 weeks
- Rush Service (if available): 2 to 4 weeks (additional cost may apply)
In-House Overhaul:
- Average Time: 8 to 12 weeks (depending on the availability of tools, parts, and expertise)

FAQs

1. What is the Lycoming O-360 engine?

The Lycoming O-360 is a four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed piston engine commonly used in light aircraft. Known for its efficiency and reliability, it has become a popular choice for general aviation and training aircraft.

2. What does the “O-360” designation mean?

O: Opposed – The engine’s cylinders are arranged in a horizontally opposed layout.
360: The total engine displacement in cubic inches, equivalent to approximately 5.9 liters.

3. What is the horsepower rating of the Lycoming O-360?

The O-360 series offers horsepower ratings between 145 HP and 200 HP, depending on the specific model.

4. Which aircraft commonly use the Lycoming O-360?

Some popular aircraft models equipped with the Lycoming O-360 include:

Cessna 172R and 172S
Piper PA-28 Cherokee series
Mooney M20 series
Robinson R22 helicopter
Vans RV-6, RV-7, and RV-8 (homebuilt aircraft)

5. How much does a new Lycoming O-360 cost?

A new Lycoming O-360 engine typically costs between $25,000 and $45,000, depending on the specific model and features.

6. How much does it cost to overhaul a Lycoming O-360?

Overhaul prices for an O-360 range from $15,000 to $25,000, depending on the overhaul provider, parts used, and condition of the core engine.

7. What is the recommended Time Between Overhaul (TBO) for the Lycoming O-360?

The recommended TBO for the O-360 is generally 2,000 hours, though this can vary based on operating conditions and maintenance practices.

8. How does the Lycoming O-360 perform in terms of fuel efficiency?

The fuel consumption for the O-360 typically ranges from 7 to 10 gallons per hour (GPH), depending on power settings and aircraft configuration.

9. What type of fuel does the Lycoming O-360 use?

The Lycoming O-360 runs on 100LL (low-lead) aviation gasoline, with some models certified for alternative fuels such as mogas (automotive gasoline) under specific conditions.

10. What are the dimensions of the Lycoming O-360?

Length: Approximately 31.3 inches
Width: Approximately 33.4 inches
Height: Approximately 23.9 inches

11. How much does the Lycoming O-360 weigh?

The dry weight of the engine is approximately 250-300 lbs, depending on the specific model.

12. What are the different variants of the Lycoming O-360?

The O-360 family includes multiple variants, such as:

O-360: Carbureted model.
IO-360: Fuel-injected model.
LIO-360: Fuel-injected model with counter-rotating propeller.
AIO-360: Aerobatic version.

13. What are the main applications of the Lycoming O-360?

The engine is versatile and used in various applications, including:

Training aircraft.
Personal and recreational aviation.
Helicopters (e.g., Robinson R22).
Homebuilt and experimental aircraft.

14. How does the Lycoming O-360 enhance safety?

The engine’s air-cooled design, simple mechanical systems, and robust construction minimize failure points, making it highly reliable for general aviation operations.

15. What is the overhaul process for the Lycoming O-360?

Overhaul involves disassembling, inspecting, and replacing worn parts, reassembling the engine, and testing it to meet performance standards. You can opt for a factory overhaul or a service from an authorized overhaul shop.

16. Why is the Lycoming O-360 popular among pilots?

Pilots prefer the O-360 for its combination of reliability, performance, and affordability. Its moderate power output balances efficiency and capability, making it ideal for both personal and training aircraft.

17. What is the difference between the Lycoming O-360 and IO-360?

The primary difference is the fuel system:

O-360: Uses a carburetor for fuel delivery.
IO-360: Uses a fuel-injection system for more precise fuel-air mixing and improved performance.

18. Is the Lycoming O-360 suitable for aerobatic flight?

Yes, the AIO-360 variant is specifically designed for aerobatic operations, featuring modifications to handle the stresses of inverted and high-G maneuvers.