A couple of newbie questions

[axkiker]

Hey all I have a couple quick questions.

#1... I see that many people have used turbine engines in a broad range of applications. My friend and I have recently gotten the notion to put a turbine in a boat. I have seen several expamples on the net and after some research I feel its a very doable project for us.

My biggest issue is where to get an engine at a price we can afford. A running allison 250 which is a common engine to be used in smaller boats seem to be priced upward of $20k.

Now I understand that these engines are expensive however I dont think many people are forking over $20k + for a hobby. Not to mention the extra cost for the actual boat and rigging.

So are people getting these engines in non running condition then rebuilding... Or are they just forking over the 20k in the beginning.

My 2nd question is about rebuilding. My friend is a certified aircraft mechanic. So I understand there may be special tools etc required but would it be possible to find a non running engine then rebuild at home. Maybe that would be more cost effective..

thanks

[ernie wrenn]

Check e-bay and barnstomers.com, call tim arfons.. Look for a cycle or timed out engine. FAA cert. only allows so much time and duty cycles.

The engine will be perfect for your app.. Do NOT buy a turbine that is damaged or has had a hot start, $20,000 will not buy the parts where the engine can be found from $4>$10,000.

Another good choice are the TBO 50, t 53 and t-58. Just depends if you want speed or noise or BOTH.

Check with your local airports, a damaged unit might be laying around. I have found several turbines that way.

Ernie

[axkiker]

yea 4 - 10k is more in line of what I was expecting when I first started researching this project.

Im not at all against any of the engines you quoted. My main thing is I need somethig 300+ hp and has an output shaft running 6k rpms. Or if its higher I have to have a reasonable way of gearing it down. I could possible make an external gear box to do that however I would rather have off the shelf parts.

In the end im not as concerned with the engine brand etc. More about the output, specs and a resonable price.

any thoughts on rebuilding one at home provided my friend has the skill set??? I havent had a chance to talk with him about what special tools may be needed or used.

[Richard OConnell]

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GE-T-58-1-Turbine-Engine-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem35b0abcff8QQitemZ230597316600QQptZMotorsQ5fAviationQ5fPartsQ5fGear

This one is like $5k - $6k.. they claim it produces 1300HP, but I think its a bit of an overestimate. Some very simple research shows this engine series prodices in the ~800 Peak HP range. Still a good buy. Plus, it even states in the article that the engine came out of a boat

EDIT:
I wonder if that turbine came out of turbinedood's boat..?

[axkiker]

That would be right up my alley... Only issue is there is no gearbox included. Not sure how hard that would be to find seperate.

Looks like when I get ready to purchase something im gonna be shopping for a while. As finding these things at a reasonable price is quite the challenge.

What do you think about rebuilding at home. Im not an aircraft mechanic so I have no idea about even trying to perform such. However my friend is. Do you think its possible? What special tools etc are needed.

My friend is currently deployed or I would just ask him

[Richard OConnell]

For the most part, the tools arent too complicated. I think you need special tools to pull the turbine wheels off some engines, but not really sure on that one. In my opinion, any tool can be made with a torch and a bit of creativity

If the engine is in running condition, you shouldn't need much more than some large sized wrenches. Most of what you need to so is to connect a fuel pump, wire in the starter, and connect up the spark.

As for the gearbox, you could always ask the seller if he still has it, or another one that he is willing to part with. He said it came off a boat, so he would have needed the gearbox.

[axkiker]

Well finally someone who thinks like me... I have yet to find something I could not work on. So maybe it is possible.
but many people have told me other wise so who knows.

My main concern is if I were to buy one I would like to disassemble and inspect. Then possible replace bearings etc. However maybe that is not neessary.

[racket]

LOL......I don't think you'll be wanting to replace bearings once you price them , they'll probably end up costing more than you paid for the engine, turbine bearings can be horrendously expensive :-(

Cheers
John

[axkiker]

Well thats a very good point. I have never messed with turbine engines so I have no idea of the cost of parts.

Are there basic parts which people replace during an overhaul. I just assumed that all bearings etc would be replaced however maybe they just dont need it.

I just dont want to buy something which is near the end of its life and not take the necessary precautions to ensure it lasts for at least another 1000 hours. At the least I would like to disassemble and inspect to see if things are within tolerance.

It may be worth it for me to take it to someone who does inspections and rebuilds.. Just to see if they see something which stands out. Im hoping my friend is able to do that but I gotta wait for him to get back to even speak about it.

[ernie wrenn]

If it aint broke DON"T fix it!!!!

They can brake your wallet if you are not careful. Shoping around is part of the fun... if you believe that I got a engine for you that makes 57,000 hp.:0

Turbines are like Harleys, they make their spot and run. If it brakes THEN look for parts.

Ernie

[axkiker]

LOL fair enough.... if it spins its good to go.

[drswami]

Don't know if you found your engine but I have a couple of T53 - 1100's w/gearboxes and extra controllers that i would sell . i had for and ran one but not these . One of them is parts only the other turns smooth with no visible defects. I would sell the package for $10,000.
[e-mail]

[turbotom]

axkiker-- (you've got a "real" name?... )

why don't you consider to use a polish/russian engine like the GTD-350 for your project. At least in Europe, they are easily and comparably inexpensively available, well documented and very reliable. Power-wise, they more or less resemble the Allison 250C20, though at a little bigger size and higher weight. But that shouldn't be too troublesome for your application. Output shaft rpm is 6000. If you're interested and you need assistance to source one of these, I may be able to help.

Cheers,
Thomas