I'm looking for advice on how to proceed with the rebuild of an A-65-8 that I inherited in pieces. The case has not been split and my question regards whether I should split the case or not. The crankshaft turns freely and doesn't show a lot of endplay or runout, but the history of the engine is unknown. I'm sure it would be the conservative choice to split the case and check the camshaft and bearings, but a part of me wants to leave well enough alone and just proceed with a top overhaul. With no logs, no history, and the intention to put it on an experimental, I'm not concerned with legality, just prudence. I'm an A&P and have the IPC and Overhaul Manual, so this is more a philosophical question, but given my lack of experience with the small Continentals, I'd welcome technical advice as well.

Patrick Sween
7MN3