M4-210 converion/no parts from Maule

[flyfish1]

I am trying to see availability for parts to convert my M4-220 to an M4-210. My 220 engine is done for. Broke the crank, split the case, and had me walking out of a field in southwest Wisconsin. I have been trying to get information from Maule for this conversion. They finally got back to me and said they only have the engine mount and header tank but not the valve. Not sure what you 210 guys are using for parts when needed, but Maule basically said I was out of luck with them. They suggest the lycoming 180 but my real passion is flying out west at hot and high density altitudes so I don't want to go that direction. Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thank you.

[yanknbank]

There's a valve available from one of the salvage companies in Alaska. I can't remember who they were, but +19077156998 is the number. They wanted 275 for it. I'm sure there are other sources from wrecked maules too. David wright will overhaul them for like $100 of you find a rough one.

The 210 is still supported, so parts are not an issue on the motor. Supporting equipment, like the dukes pump, have some sources for exchange. The header tank valve hasn't been made in decades. It's a simple design, and I don't think it should be a big deal to have a mechanic sign off on a minor alteration to put in an alternative. Maule will sell you the baffling in parts to install. I'm not sure on what you'd do for a cowling.

[Mog]

It's frustrating for sure, but there are amazing deals to be had on complete Franklins. You can get a good Franklins for between $15k-$25k. Rebuild if needed will be sub $8k. Your engines good parts will likely pay for the overhaul or IRAN of a $15k Franklin.

Just keep your eye out for a month or two for a solid Franklin, a good one will pop up. Make some calls, ask Suzan who has an engine. I know there was one up In Colorado not long ago.

[Kirk]

I’m with Mog on this one. Having recently done an engine swap on my M5, I can attest to the fact that there are a lot of things to change and the costs really ad up.

If the M4 had been certified with a 235 HP Lycoming, I could see it maybe being worthwhile. Going to great expense and downtime to swap to another poorly supported out of production engine just doesn’t seem like money well spent.

All that being said, everyone has their own preferences and desires. It could be done, but you already have run into supply issues before the first wrench is turned. There are a lot of Franklin enthusiasts out there. I bet you can find a serviceable Franklin faster than you can find even just a mount for the Continental.

Kirk

[flyfish1]

Thanks for the feedback. I do appreciate this site. The colective knowledge being passed on is always welcome.

[1:1 Scale]

I have a 0 SMOH 220 Franklin sitting in my hangar that I might be willing to sell. There's a few things for me to consider on my end before making the decision, but I'll PM you my phone number, and we can see if we can work something out.