LYCO 250 vs 260

[Paul Michel Fenouil]

Hi flyers,
I have a PA24-180 with JOsborne tip tanks and it's worthy to switch for a 250 or 260 HP.
Which is the more reliable one and with fewer problems, 250 or 260 ?

O-360-A1A seems one of the best LYCOMING engines with fewer problems and we easily find parts.

With my O-180 I can reach 7.9 Gal/h , 1000 NM of range, 107 Kt FL065.
I am not ascertain to keep the same range with a 250 or 260.
I fly in Africa and there is no AVGAS in all airports.

All of your opinions are welcome.
Thanks

[Mark Anderson]

Paul,

I have a 250. With 86 gallons usable. The furthest I have flown is about 850 NM in about 5 hours and 45 minutes. I usually lean to about 13 GPH at 10-12K feet. I am sure 1000 NM would be possible with the right conditions, altitude and tail wind. At 13 GPH this would give me about 6.5 hours to burn out. I am sure others get their fuel burn lower.

Most 250's like mine are carburated. There were a few of the 250's that came fuel injected. As far as I know all of the 260's are fuel injected. Not much difference if any in the engines as far as I know. I think there is an STC to increase the RPM on the 250 to achieve 260 HP.

I am sure someone a lot more knowledgeable than I will respond and we will both learn.

Good a Luck!

Mark

[Andreas Riedel]

Hi Paul, fuel injected engines are easier and better to fly lean of peak. In order to do this you will need a monitoring Instrument for all cylinders EGT/CHT. This increases range. Would always opt for an injected engine. Once there you can fine tune the engine with GAMI injectors.
Andreas

[Paul Michel Fenouil]

[Paul Michel Fenouil]