Rotax engines may not be perfect but there isnt anything better IMHO. Mine
still runs faultlessly after over 600hrs and I have had no problems that
could be laid at the manufacturers door. If you had been involved with
Europas from the beginning you would realise that others have tried "better"
engines in their aircraft to their cost. All things considered Rotax 912s
and 914's are very reliable powerplants.
There is nothing wrong with Rotax's attitude towards the engine crack
warning. The likely hood is that only one or two engines have developed this
problem and as Rotax suggests this may be down to how the engine was
installed/ operated. If it was a car manufacturer they would probably not
say anything and simply fix the problem if it materialised (and probably
charge you for the priveledge).
Rotax are simply doing what any sensible aviation engine manufacturer would
do and draw your attention to a potential problem that if it occurrs is
probably your fault - because of the way you may have installed or operated
the engine. Rotax have no control over how their engines are used - they can
only make reccommendations on how to fit them which may or may not be
adhered to by the aircraft manufacturer (which in your case is you).
If yours was a certified aircraft and a problem developed you would seek
redress/ compensation from the aircraft manufacturer - because they fitted
the engine to their aircraft - exactly in the same way as you would if your
BMW developed a fault the only difference being that BMW makes their own
engines.
The reason the factory sticks with the 912s and 914s is because they are
generally reliable unlike the other engines they have tried eg: Subaru, Mid
West Rotary, Wilksch Diesel, BMW boxer, etc. The only other engine that is
halfway decent in the Europa is the Jabiru and that hasnt been without its
problems.
In my opinion if you fitted any other engine the list of Rotax snags you
quote would be minimal by comparison to what you would probably experience
with another manufacturer.
Carl Pattinson
G-LABS
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 12:00 PM
>
> As a regular reader of the list am I alone in thinking that the Rotax
> engines 912, 912S (and 914 which I am not considering for my aircraft)
> are beginning to show up an lot of problems?
>
> Cooling, Evans coolant or not.
> The Ducati regulator. Italian electrics are grim IMHO when fitted to
> bikes ,cars, tractors and it seems aircraft too.
> Sprag clutch or Starter motor.
> Carb balancing setup.
> Throttle cables, are bowden cables best?
> Crancase cracks!!!
> Carb mounting rubbers splits
> Exhaust fractures
> Hot starting,- fuel cooling required.
>
> I know that a few problems are peculiar to the Europa fit, and that many
> engines have been sold so providing a wider reference base and I am
> hoping that not everyone has all the faults, but they are all potentially
> there it seems. Lets say would you keep your car very long with this
> engine?
>
> Now I hav'nt made my engine choice yet but it will probably be the 912S
> because the aircraft was designed with this fit, and its quietly
> economical, factory support, etc...
>
> It would be interesting to hear if anyone is really disappointed with the
> Rotax or if the concensus is to live with a well known devil.
>
> I am aware of the other engine choices but I am sure I will benefit from
> the factory manual if I chose the Rotax.
>
> Graham Pocock
> 535 XS Tri Gear
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 12:06 AM
>
>
>>
>> Am I alone in being aghast by the way Rotax/Skydrive communicate the
>> problem
>> with crancase cracks? I had a bmw car once which was recalled by the
>> dealer
>> because of potential cracks in the steering column - bmw regarded it as
>> their
>> responsibility to fix it urgently at their own cost. By contrast, Rotax
>> are
>> saying in effect, "our product has a potential fault which may kill you
>> so
>> you'd better look out. Don't say we haven't warned you." Charming or
>> what?
>>
>> Willie Harrison
>> G-BZNY (shining after its twice yearly wash)
>>
>> ___________________________________________________________
>>
>> Tiscali Broadband from 14.99 with free setup!
>> http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/broadband/
>>
>>
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>
>
> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List
> http://wiki.matronics.com
>
>
>
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