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Configuration
The IO 360 series of engines is a four-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine, meaning the cylinders are on a flat plane. Two cylinders are on each side of the crankshaft. Dividing 360 cubic inches by four shows that each cylinder displaces 90 cubic inches. The IO 360 has a direct drive configuration; this means the propeller mounts directly on the crankshaft, so no external transmission is needed to drive the propeller. The engine is fuel-injected, as opposed to having a carburetor. The engine is air-cooled, meaning the cooling takes place by air flowing over the cylinders during flight. The "I" stands for fuel injection, and the "O" stands for horizontally opposed.
Power and Weight
The output of the IO-360-A engine is 200 horsepower. Slight variations of this engine are available, like the IO-360-B, which produces 180 horsepower. The weight is 324 to 335 pounds, depending on options installed, such as an air conditioning compressor. The recommended RPM (revolutions per minute) speed is 2,000 RPM.
Dimensions
The outside dimensions of the engine range from 19 to 24 inches high, 32 to 34 inches wide, and 29 to 33 inches high. The reason Lycoming cannot give a specific number is because of engine options. For example, the oil filter may be mounted on the engine, or have flexible tubes to be remotely mounted. Lycoming recommends you contact the company directly for very detailed specifications for particular engine needs.
Engine Features
The connecting rods, crankshaft, and the camshaft of the IO 360 engine are forged steel. The cylinders are nitride-hardened for durability. Nitride hardening increases the hardness of the steel, making it more durable. An electric starter is available, as is a magneto ignition system. A magneto produces the high-voltage electricity to power the spark plugs right inside the modified distributor itself, so other components are not needed to produce a spark.