E-185-9 prior to S/N 5122-D stamped with 205 HP

[billla]

I have an engine as above where 205 HP and 2600 RPM is scribed into the data plate.

Was it possible at one time to "upgrade" older -9s to achieve the 205? Is there a clear, specific way to tell if this engine is in fact rated for 205 HP take-off power?

Thanks!

[JamCoats]

This is a good question. Per the E series operator's manual, E-185s prior to SN 5122D were rated at 185hp, period. The ones after that were rated at 205hp for takeoff. That was, in fact, the primary difference between a “Navion” and a “Navion A”. I know that some early 185 engines were modified to the 205hp specification, but when I've seen record of this being done, it was always done at the factory by Continental -- and Continental assigned a new serial number, when they did it. Could it have been done in the field? Surely someone knows the answer to that.

I know that there was a field modification available to convert a 205hp to 225hp, so it is not out of the realm of possibility that there was also a field modification available to convert an early 185 to the later, 205hp spec.

Anyone?

[oldskydog]

I believe it was dependent on the crank dampener configuation.

[oldskydog]

The D in the S/N indicates it has the dampered crank required for the 205 rating.
Cecil