Lycoming O 145

Design and development

The O-145 was produced in three major versions, the O-145-A rated at 55 hp (41 kW), the -B rated at 65 hp (48 kW), and -C rated at 75 hp (56 kW). The "B" model was the major production model, with the "A" and "C" produced in much smaller quantities.

All models of the series had the same bore, stroke, and displacement, additional horsepower being generated by increasing compression ratio and maximum rpm. All use a Stromberg NA-S2 or NA-S2A or Marvel MA-2 or MA-2-A carburetor. The dual ignition versions use two Scintilla SF-4L, SN4LN-20 or -21, Superior SMA-4 or Edison-Splitdorf RMA-4 magnetos.

The original O-145-A produced 55 hp (41 kW) at 2300 rpm, weighed 165.5 lb (75 kg), and featured single ignition. In an attempt to compete with the Continental A-65, Lycoming boosted the rpm and power output to 65 hp (48 kW) at 2550 rpm, and finally 75 hp (56 kW) at 3100 rpm. The O-145 had a hard time competing with the same horsepower Continentals due to its smaller displacement, which resulted in a steeper torque curve.

The GO-145 is a geared model, introduced in 1938, that uses a 27:17 reduction ratio (1.59:1) gearbox to produce 75 hp (56 kW) at 3200 crankshaft rpm, giving 2013 propeller rpm. The engine employs a gearbox bolted to the front of the engine and the resulting engine weighs 193 lb (88 kg) without starter or generator. The GO-145 suffered from a poor reputation for reliability, because pilots mis-handled the engine, running it at too low a cruising rpm and causing gearbox wear as a result.

The series' type certificate expired on 2 November 1950 and no O-145-B1 or -C1 or GO-145-C1s engines produced after 1 August 1941 and O-145-B2, -B3 or -C2, or GO-145-C2 or -C3s produced after 24 August 1949 are eligible for certification. The single ignition O-145-A series, O-145-B1, and -C1 are not covered by the original type certificate.

Lycoming ended production of the O-145 and replaced it with the O-235 series.

Variants

O-145-A

Four-cylinder, direct drive, 55 hp (41 kW), single ignition

0-145-A3

Four-cylinder, direct drive, 55 hp (41 kW), single ignition, with starter and generator installed

O-145-B1

Four-cylinder, direct drive, 65 hp (48 kW), single ignition

O-145-B2

Four-cylinder, direct drive, 65 hp (48 kW), dual ignition

O-145-B3

Four-cylinder, direct drive, 65 hp (48 kW), dual ignition

O-145-C1

Four-cylinder, direct drive, 75 hp (56 kW), single ignition

O-145-C2

Four-cylinder, direct drive, 75 hp (56 kW), dual ignition

GO-145-C1

Four-cylinder, reduction gearbox, 75 hp (56 kW), single ignition

GO-145-C2

Four-cylinder, reduction gearbox, 75 hp (56 kW), dual ignition

GO-145-C3

Four-cylinder, reduction gearbox, 75 hp (56 kW), dual ignition

Applications

O-145

Airdrome Fokker D-VIII

Piper J-3L Cub, most often the 65 hp version

Carlson Skycycle

Piper PA-8 Skycycle

GO-145

Piper J-5 Cruiser

Funk B75L

General Skyfarer

Rich Twin 1-X-2

Shirlen Big Cootie

Specifications (GO-145-C2)

Data from Type Certificate 210

General characteristics

Type: Four-cylinder, reduction-geared engine

Bore: 3.625 in (92 mm)

Stroke: 3.500 in (89 mm)

Displacement: 144.5 in³ (2.4 L)

Dry weight: 193 lb (87.5 kg)

Components

Fuel system: Stromberg NA-S2 or NA-S2A or Marvel MA-2 or MA-2-A carburetor

Fuel type: minimum 73 octane

Cooling system: air-cooled

Performance

Power output: 75 hp at 3200 rpm (56 kW)

Specific power: 0.52 hp/in³ (23.3 kW/L)

Compression ratio: 6.5:1

Power-to-weight ratio: 0.39 hp/lb (0.64 kW/kg)