Hi All,
This brings up a good operational point. If the wastgate gets stuck on
takeoff, then 4 things will happen.
1. The red TCU warning light will illuminate.
2. The manifold pressure will advance above 39"
3. The tachometer will indicate an over speed.
4. The engine will sound very different.
If you ever notice any of these really obvious indications, abort the
takeoff, taxi back & free the wastegate. If you do this, then no engine
damage will occur.
If you don't catch it until after liftoff & there isn't enough runway to
land, then bring the throttle back to 39" or less, and return for landing.
You will need to carry out some inspections as prescribed by Rotax, as you
have probably exceeded max boost, or RPM for over 60 seconds.
If the wastgate sticks in cruise, then the engine will probably knock at
high altitudes. In this case the wastegate is not stuck shut, it simply
can't adjust to regulate boost, and air box temperature. Manifold pressure,
or RPM will not exceed limits. The only indication, other than a knock, may
be a high EGT, followed by a low EGT after the engine gets rough. In this
case pull back the power & descend to a lower altitude (usually below
8,000') Monitor your EGT, listen for detonation & proceed to a good MX base
where you can free your wastegate.
Usually a stuck wastegate is caused by lead contamination, which can't
happen with auto fuel.
The wastegate can be removed and cleaned if it becomes too dirty.
Thanks to Rotax North America tech support for the above info.
Happy Flying!
John Hurst
Europa Aircraft
Lakeland, FL USA
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of
TELEDYNMCS@aol.com
Subject: Re: Europa-List: 914 Overboost?
In a message dated 8/23/2003 4:11:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
rparigor@suffolk.lib.ny.us writes:
> Curious, many problems with 914 Europas over boosting and trashing engine?
>
I know of one case. A guy who flys sailplanes out of our field also has a
914
powered Katana. His waste gate stuck closed because of lead fouling (from
running 100LL) and ended up snapping the crankshaft because of overboost.
Rotax
didn't warranty it either.
Regards,
John Lawton
Dunlap, TN
A-245
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