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AEL71668 – Continental Motors FAA-PMA Crankshaft Idler Gear Assembly
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Continental AEL71668 is an FAA-PMA approved crankshaft idler gear assembly, expertly engineered by Continental Aerospace Technologies as a direct replacement for Lycoming OEM part number 71668. This flight-critical component is a key element in the accessory drive gear train of numerous Lycoming engines. Its function is to transmit rotational force from the main crankshaft gear to the magneto drive gears, while also reversing the direction of rotation to ensure correct magneto timing. Manufactured with Continental's renowned precision and metallurgical expertise, this gear offers a premium, certified alternative for engine overhaul and repair.
Key Features
- Power Transmission & Direction Reversal: Serves as the essential intermediary gear in the accessory case. It provides a robust power transmission link and reverses the rotational direction from the crankshaft gear to ensure the magnetos are driven correctly for proper ignition timing.
- Case-Hardened Steel Construction: Fabricated from a high-strength steel alloy and then case-hardened. This process creates an extremely hard, wear-resistant outer surface on the gear teeth while maintaining a more ductile core to resist the shock loads of gear meshing and prevent tooth fracture.
- Precision Machining: The gear teeth are hobbed and ground to a precise involute profile, ensuring smooth, quiet operation and an even distribution of loads between meshing gears. This precision is critical for preventing premature wear and maintaining correct timing.
- Integral Bronze Bushing: Supplied as a complete assembly with a precision bronze bushing pre-installed in the bore. This bushing provides a durable, low-friction bearing surface for the idler gear shaft upon which it rotates.
- FAA-PMA Certified: As a certified FAA-PMA part from Continental, it has undergone a rigorous approval process to ensure it meets or exceeds the performance, safety, and quality standards of the original Lycoming component, making it a fully airworthy replacement.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: AEL71668
- Manufacturer: Continental Aerospace Technologies
- OEM Replacement for: Lycoming P/N 71668
- Component Type: Crankshaft Idler Gear Assembly
- Material: Case-Hardened Steel Alloy
- Bearing: Integral Bronze Bushing
- Certification: FAA-PMA
Aircraft Compatibility
The Continental AEL71668 is approved for use in a vast range of Lycoming's most popular 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder direct-drive engines, making it a key component for a significant portion of the general aviation fleet.
- Common Lycoming Engine Series:
- O-320, IO-320, AIO-320, AEIO-320
- O-360, IO-360, AIO-360, AEIO-360
- O-540, IO-540, TIO-540, AEIO-540
- Common Aircraft Platforms:
- A vast range of aircraft from Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Mooney, and numerous experimental designs that utilize the above Lycoming engine series.
Applications
The AEL71668 is a fundamental component for engine assembly and overhaul:
- Accessory Drive Operation: Essential for driving the engine's dual magnetos, which provide the high-voltage spark for ignition. Its integrity is paramount for engine operation.
- Engine Overhaul: A mandatory inspection item during any engine overhaul. It is inspected for pitting, scoring, tooth wear, and bushing clearance, and replaced if any out-of-limit conditions are found.
Why Choose AEL71668?
The failure of the crankshaft idler gear would instantly de-synchronize and disable both magnetos, resulting in a complete and catastrophic loss of engine power. The Continental AEL71668 provides engine builders and owners with a high-quality, FAA-PMA certified alternative from a world-leading engine manufacturer. It represents an opportunity to install a brand-new, zero-time component with the backing of Continental's extensive experience in gear metallurgy and manufacturing, ensuring the utmost in reliability and safety for your Lycoming engine.
Order Your Continental AEL71668 Idler Gear Now
Build your Lycoming engine with the certified quality and engineering expertise of a Continental PMA part. Visit Airparts.aero to order your AEL71668 crankshaft idler gear today.
The AEL71668 idler gear is a classic example of a "simple idler" in a gear train. In the Lycoming accessory case, the crankshaft gear typically rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise). For the magnetos to operate correctly, their internal rotors must spin in a specific direction. By placing the AEL71668 idler gear between the crankshaft gear and the magneto drive gears, the direction of rotation is reversed. The crankshaft gear (clockwise) turns the idler gear (counter-clockwise), which in turn drives the magneto gears in the correct (clockwise) direction. The precise calculation of the gear diameters and the backlash (the small clearance between meshing teeth) in this train is critical for minimizing noise and preventing the tooth impact damage that can result from engine power pulses.
Note: This is a flight-critical engine internal component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic or at a qualified engine overhaul facility in strict accordance with the current Lycoming Overhaul Manual. Proper backlash measurements must be taken during assembly.
