Looking for Stinson 108 info

[LR25]

Anybody here have any experience with these fine looking airplanes?

Any pitfalls or problems with them in general?

They look like they can be had for a fair price.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Hippie]

Contact a guy named John Baker

his email addy is
[email protected]

He ownes a couple and has restored them as well, he'll answer any questions bout them you might have.

He also has a web site

just do a search for hanger9 aeroworks

Hippie

 

[LJDRVR]

I'll sum up my feelings about the Stinson in one phrase: wonderful airplane...absolutely rotten motor. About the only thing a Franklin is good for is airboat motors and scrap metal.

That having been said, there are at least two STC's that allow the addition of a 0-470 (230 HP). The 108 is a nice flying A/C with almost full roll authority through the stall and excellent pitch stability. Out of 15 different taildraggers I've flown, It's the easiest to wheel land. If I recall correctly, half flaps, 1500 RPM and trimmed for 75MPH. Just let it come down and hit the runway. It rolls on with no forward pressure required. If you buy an earlier mark, make sure the baggage compartment wasn't illegally added, many were.

Nothing special to be cognizant of beyond the usual 55 year old rag and tube airplane issues. (Univair is gonna cost you man....)Some have been metalized. (Heavier and slower) That stuff about the Franklin isn't hyperbole either. Don't even think of flying one unless your life insurance is up to date and your affairs are in order. Lastly, if you buy one, get a thorough checkout from an owner/CFI and make SURE you have shoulder harnesses. (Good advice for ANY antique taildragger)

Good Luck!

 

[rfeathe1]

I've never owned a Stinson but I've flown 3 of them--all of them Franklin powered & never had a problem engine wise. 2 of them had 165 HP & the other 150 HP. Most owners complain that their Franklins need a top overhaul after 5 or 6 hundred hours. As stated in a previous post the metallized ones tend to be a bit doggy.

 

[RightPedal]

I had a Maule with a 6 cylinder franklin 220hp. This engine was 1120tt and 211stoh (1500tbo) when I got it.
I flew this engine 828 hours and sold the plane.
During my first 25 hours I had to re-work the intake packings. At around 1700hr I had to rebuild the carb air box, and that was the only thing I did to it. My average fuel burn was between 9 and 12 gph. To me it was best dang airplane motor I ever set behind. The 220 was the best of the fleet. I did hear that the 150's and 165's were bad engines and this was what took Franklin down.
They are still in production today out of Poland I think. Here's the site:http://franklinengines.com