BM80 I got the old MAC running

[Dave Martin]

My dad and I just got our MAC 72 running last night. It was the first time it had been started in 14 years. Needless to say my arm, shoulder and back are killing me. :help: Oh well it was well worth it! We taxied around a bit, it keep running,thats always a good sign. My dad decided to take it out on the road. I told hime we should get the brakes bled first, but he never listens. It started to really go on the road and he had to hit the kill switch. It was fun to say the least, but will be more fun in the air! And i wont need bakes up there...

[giro5]

I bought a used MAC that had been setting around for who knows how long. Upon dissassembly I found the crank was pitted where the roller bearings from the rod journals had sat in position and not moved for a long time. After that experience I would be very hesitant about putting any MAC or other engine with roller bearings in the air after it had sat with out running for any significant length of time and I am talking about 6 months to a year. I might start and run fine but with the crank pittted it ain't going to run very long.

[Passin' Thru]

I bought a used MAC that had been setting around for who knows how long. Upon dissassembly I found the crank was pitted where the roller bearings from the rod journals had sat in position and not moved for a long time. After that experience I would be very hesitant about putting any MAC or other engine with roller bearings in the air after it had sat with out running for any significant length of time and I am talking about 6 months to a year. I might start and run fine but with the crank pittted it ain't going to run very long.
Yep, I agree. From tearing down literally dozens of Macs, I have found the center main is usually the first to corrode. :sad:
Magikarp, I do wish you luck. I hope the engine was pickled properly, but don't be too suprised if you suddenly hear a terreble grinding, screeching noise! :sorry:

[Dave Martin]

Well I hope I do not hear that noise! The guy that had it, filled the crank case with ATF (automatic transmission fluid). I hope that would prevent any corrosion, seems like if it was all submerged it would be ok. But i dunno... We are going to run it on the ground alot, before we even think of taking to the air. Plus i'm a noobie and ave not earned my wings yet. Ed Newbold is going to break me and dad in at Mentone in his RAF 2000. I dont expect to be able to pilot solo with the mere 2 hours each that we will receive there. I am hoping to meet Duane Hunn there who flys and instructs out of mentone. We live in Michigan, but Mentone IN. is only a 80 mile drive one way. I am sure Ed and Duane have ALOT of hours in the air, and that is good because I ave alot of questions! Thanks for the input guys, i'll probally tear it down this winter and see what it looks like in there. Does that R and D in Texas sell main bearings? I know they have gasket kits but im not sure if they have bearings.... Thanks again guys this is what its all about, sharing knowledge and helping each other out!

[billygyro]

you need to do a complete inspection inside and out, on that old mac. dont fly it until you do. that way you won't have to here it quit in mid-air. making a engein out landing for a low time flyer is a complet hand full, it is easy'r to just do the inspection, that's what i think,!!! trust me i am new at this 2 and the last thing i wont is to here is it quit. i just picked up my engien for mine, it looks great outside and has new looking oil. and was told it ran fine,( i belive him to the fullest) i really do, he is a great guy, and can fly the hell out of a dominator, but- it will get a complete going through. besides it's not a lot of cost and it wont take anymore time to get it done before flying it. i am like you , i would like to fly it today, but i wont until i solo after a completetion of lesson's. and not just a few hr's with a instructor, i only have about 3 hr's so far. (not trying to be smart- just safe) good luck billy