ERCO I-L 116
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In late 1938, the Engineering and Research Corporation (ERCO) searched unsuccessfully for a suitable engine for its new "safe" airplane, the Ercoupe. ERCO hired Harold Morehouse, former engineer in charge of small engine design at Continental Motors, to design a new engine. He came up with the inverted, in-line I-L 116, which provided good pilot visibility and enhanced aircraft streamlining.
ERCO installed the I-L 116 in the prototype Ercoupe Model 310 in 1939. The engine performed well, but ERCO discontined it when Continental introduced the A-65 engine in 1940, which generated comparable horsepower at half the cost. ERCO manufactured parts for six I-L 116s but built only three.
[edit] Specifications
General characteristics
- Type: 4-cylinder air-cooled inverted inline aircraft piston engine
- Displacement: 116 in³ (1.9 L)
- Dry weight: 158 lb (71.7 kg)
Components
- Valvetrain: One intake and one exhaust valve per cylinder, pushrod-actuated.
- Fuel system: Updraft carburetor
- Fuel type: 73 octane avgas
- Oil system: Wet sump
- Cooling system: Air-cooled
Performance
- Power output: 65 hp (48.5 kW) at 3,500 RPM
- Specific power: 0.56 hp/in³ (25.5 kW/L)
- Power-to-weight ratio: 0.41 hp/lb (0.68 kW/kg)
