CONTINENTAL MOTORS® AIRCRAFT ENGINE CATEGORY 5

SERVICE INFORMATION LETTER SIL18-05

Contains Useful Information Pertaining To Your Aircraft Engine T E CH N IC AL PO RT IO NS
FAA APPROVE D
SUBJECT: O-470-U Camshaft Gear Configuration
PURPOSE: Clarify Camshaft Gear Applicability
COMPLIANCE: For Information Only
MODELS
AFFECTED: New and rebuilt Continental Motors O-470-U aviation gasoline (AvGas) engines

I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Continental Motors, (CMI) O-470-U engines had two camshaft gear configurations (Phase 1 and
Phase 2) over its years of engine production. The O-470-U engine model also used several
camshaft gears (multiple part numbers) during each of these two configurations.

II. SCOPE
This Service Document will serve to clarify the O-470-U engine camshaft gear configuration and
address field questions regarding these configurations and the related camshaft gear supersession
history.

III. CONFIGURATION HISTORY

1. The O-470-U was FAA certificated in 1975 with camshaft gear (P/N 631845). This camshaft
gear was superseded by part numbers 655516, 656031 and 656818 (referred to as Phase 1 gear
configuration).
2. In 2004, the camshaft gear part number was changed on the O-470-U engine to 656913. O-470-U
engines produced from 2004 until 2018 used the 656913 camshaft gear (referred to as the Phase 2
gear configuration).
3. Engine tests have shown that there is no difference in full power performance with either of
these camshaft gear configurations and both meet all FAA requirements. Recent testing has
shown that the Phase 1 gear configuration provides a slight power advantage at midrange
cruise settings.
4. Engines with Phase 1 camshaft gears (part numbers preceding P/N 656818) installed are
subject to gear replacement in accordance with the most current revision of Continental
Motors, Inc. Service Document CSB05-8, “Camshaft Gear (P/N 656818).”
5. Current production O-470-U engines (with serial numbers 1035905 and higher) are configured
from the factory with camshaft gear P/N 656818. The Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) has been
revised to specify this as the preferred camshaft gear.
6. Either camshaft gear configuration (Phase 1 or Phase 2 gear configuration) is acceptable for
use in service if the appropriate part supersessions are accomplished in accordance with
applicable ICAs and Service Documents.

ISSUED REVISED PAGE NO DOC NO REVISION

2018/08/22 1 of 2 SIL18-05
P.O. Box 90 Mobile, AL 251-436-8299
©2018 Continental Motors, Inc.
 Intentionally Left Blank

ISSUED REVISED PAGE NO DOC NO REVISION

2018/08/22 2 of 2 SIL18-05
P.O. Box 90 Mobile, AL 251-436-8299