---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sat 11/17/07: 24 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 07:16 AM - Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (lucien) 2. 07:39 AM - Re: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (Richard Girard) 3. 08:03 AM - Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (JetPilot) 4. 08:23 AM - Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (lucien) 5. 09:59 AM - Oil Injection Pump (Frank Clyma) 6. 11:00 AM - Re: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (Larry Cottrell) 7. 11:07 AM - Big Twin 4 stroke? (grantr) 8. 11:33 AM - Re: Oil Injection Pump (Richard Pike) 9. 12:17 PM - Re: Big Twin 4 stroke? (Richard & Martha Neilsen) 10. 02:01 PM - Re: Worlds largest engine is a 2-stroke (JetPilot) 11. 02:07 PM - Re: Big Twin 4 stroke? (JetPilot) 12. 02:54 PM - Re: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (knowvne@aol.com) 13. 05:28 PM - Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (grantr) 14. 09:49 PM - cutting and drilling Lexan (Mike Welch) 15. 09:52 PM - Re: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (Richard Girard) 16. 09:53 PM - Re: cutting and drilling Lexan (Richard Pike) 17. 10:02 PM - Re: Re: Big Twin 4 stroke? (Richard Girard) 18. 10:05 PM - Re: Re: Big Twin 4 stroke? (Richard Girard) 19. 10:09 PM - Re: cutting and drilling Lexan (Mike Welch) 20. 10:11 PM - Re: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (Richard Girard) 21. 10:16 PM - Re: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke (Richard Girard) 22. 10:27 PM - Re: cutting and drilling Lexan (Richard Girard) 23. 10:39 PM - Re: cutting and drilling Lexan (Mike Welch) 24. 10:50 PM - Re: cutting and drilling Lexan (Mike Welch) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 07:16:36 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke From: "lucien" JetPilot wrote: > > Hi Jim > > The best engine for the Firestar appears to be the HKS 4 stroke engine. Dave Bigelow installed an HKS engine on his Firestar to fly over very hostile terrain in Hawaii, and has had very good luck with it. Although there is only one case of the HKS on a Kolb that I know of, Dave is very technically competent and has posted an about his setup on this forum: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?t=13013&highlight=hks > > Trikes have been much faster to adopt the HKS engine, it is now the engine of choice on the more expensive Mid Sized trikes that are to small for a 912's. The reliability, and smoothness of this engine is well known in the many trikes flying this engine. > > Mike Actually the best engine for the FS is the 503, but putting that aside.... (add lots of smileys here) The HKS does seem to be becoming successful and I'm gratified to see the Oleniks selling and supporting it. I had Tom do the 150 hour's on a couple of my 503's and there aren't better guys to work with than them. I think they know everything about ligh a/c motors than anyone. I'm really glad to see it working well out in the field, as it'll give a good alternative right in a sore spot - the 60 to 65hp range.... PS: Now I'm going to say something _truly_ heretical: I've been an ower-operator of the 912S for about a year now and am already finding myself wishing I was back to running a 2-stroke, specifically the 503, again. I love the 912, it runs great and it gives no trouble, but the 503 is still simpler by a long ways to debug and maintain, and parts are so vastly, vastly cheaper (when you need them). And it also gives no trouble apart from the need for 150 hour's...... There, I said it - I'm a 2-stroke heretic not particularly impressed by the 4-stroke craze.... Alas, though, I've been told that Rotax is going to discontinue the 447 and 503 in a few years, so we may be stuck with the alternatives whether we like it or not ;). LS -------- LS FS II Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146627#146627 ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 07:39:29 AM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke Lucien, It's okay to be a heretic. If you have the time, put Airbike Ace into Google and read about Paul's adventures. He's a member of EAA chapter 88 and flies his 503 equipped Airbike like most people fly Cessnas. The story of his trip to Oshkosh this year is in the latest issue of Sport Pilot. His 503 has over 650 hours and I don't think he does anything but run it regularly. As for the HKS, I have one on my trike, runs like a champ and sips gas. I did 25 landings yesterday afternoon in two hours of flying and it burned 4 gallons. Can't wait to get one on a Kolb. Rick On Nov 17, 2007 9:16 AM, lucien wrote: > > > JetPilot wrote: > > > > Hi Jim > > > > The best engine for the Firestar appears to be the HKS 4 stroke engine. Dave Bigelow installed an HKS engine on his Firestar to fly over very hostile terrain in Hawaii, and has had very good luck with it. Although there is only one case of the HKS on a Kolb that I know of, Dave is very technically competent and has posted an about his setup on this forum: > > > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?t=13013&highlight=hks > > > > Trikes have been much faster to adopt the HKS engine, it is now the engine of choice on the more expensive Mid Sized trikes that are to small for a 912's. The reliability, and smoothness of this engine is well known in the many trikes flying this engine. > > > > Mike > > > Actually the best engine for the FS is the 503, but putting that aside.... > > (add lots of smileys here) > > The HKS does seem to be becoming successful and I'm gratified to see the Oleniks selling and supporting it. I had Tom do the 150 hour's on a couple of my 503's and there aren't better guys to work with than them. I think they know everything about ligh a/c motors than anyone. > > I'm really glad to see it working well out in the field, as it'll give a good alternative right in a sore spot - the 60 to 65hp range.... > > PS: Now I'm going to say something _truly_ heretical: > I've been an ower-operator of the 912S for about a year now and am already finding myself wishing I was back to running a 2-stroke, specifically the 503, again. > I love the 912, it runs great and it gives no trouble, but the 503 is still simpler by a long ways to debug and maintain, and parts are so vastly, vastly cheaper (when you need them). And it also gives no trouble apart from the need for 150 hour's...... > > There, I said it - I'm a 2-stroke heretic not particularly impressed by the 4-stroke craze.... > > Alas, though, I've been told that Rotax is going to discontinue the 447 and 503 in a few years, so we may be stuck with the alternatives whether we like it or not ;). > > LS > > -------- > LS > FS II > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146627#146627 > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 08:03:33 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke From: "JetPilot" jindoguy(at)gmail.com wrote: > > As for the HKS, I have one on my trike, runs like a champ and sips > gas. I did 25 landings yesterday afternoon in two hours of flying and > it burned 4 gallons. Can't wait to get one on a Kolb. > > Rick > > > What kind of trike do you have Rick ? I fly an Air Creations Racer, I would love the buggy with the HKS and KISS wing, but they are way expensive new ! There don't seem to be any used ones on the market yet, which also says a lot :) JettPilot -------- "NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!! Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146637#146637 ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 08:23:32 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke From: "lucien" jindoguy(at)gmail.com wrote: > Lucien, It's okay to be a heretic. If you have the time, put Airbike > Ace into Google and read about Paul's adventures. He's a member of EAA > chapter 88 and flies his 503 equipped Airbike like most people fly > Cessnas. The story of his trip to Oshkosh this year is in the latest > issue of Sport Pilot. His 503 has over 650 hours and I don't think he > does anything but run it regularly. > As for the HKS, I have one on my trike, runs like a champ and sips > gas. I did 25 landings yesterday afternoon in two hours of flying and > it burned 4 gallons. Can't wait to get one on a Kolb. > > Rick > Hey Rick, Well you know, while I'm at it..... I'd say the main thing I hear is that a 4-stroke will make it safer to fly over places they can't land on. I hear that over and over, more than any other justification for the 4-stroke; even fuel economy is a distant second to this. Overwhelmingly, folks seem to want a 4-stroke so they can fly over hostile territory in more relative comfort. Maybe I'm old school, or just chicken, but I dare not do that (unless it's necessary) in anything I fly anyway. So I guess I'm not subject to the allure of the "insurance" idea of the 4-stroke. The only motor I've run that has given me trouble was my 447 on my trike - it shut down in the pattern on me once due to a wiring harness error on my part. Otherwise, I've lost count of the hours I have with 503's without so much as a cough. All that said, the one thing that I find advantageous about flying a 4-stroke is less concern about descents with the throttle closed. That's the only thing I had to pay attention operation-wise with my 2-stroke that I don't really with the 912. Somehow tho I love my plane, I'm finding myself missing my fun racer with the 503 on it.... ;) Oh well do not archive LS -------- LS FS II Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146645#146645 ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 09:59:36 AM PST US From: "Frank Clyma" Subject: Kolb-List: Oil Injection Pump REF: Anybody got an oil injection pump for a 582 sitting on a shelf, > collecting > dust? I need one. Yesterday. > > Richard Pike ---------------------------------- Richard, Would you tell us what happened to your old pump---and how you caught the problem B4 it seized your engine? Thanks, Frank Clyma Orange Park, FL 503 DCDI/oil injected owner do not archive ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 11:00:35 AM PST US From: "Larry Cottrell" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke ----- Original Message ----- From: "lucien" All that said, the one thing that I find advantageous about flying a 4-stroke is less concern about descents with the throttle closed. That's the only thing I had to pay attention operation-wise with my 2-stroke that I don't really with the 912. List, Not sure why, perhaps it is the humidity here or just perhaps mine is set correctly for the area, but I don't have any problems at all with closing the throttle from however high I am. I have seen the rise when my jets are set on the lean side. I am running a 152 main jet, on a 503 with dual carbs. ( Arty and I had to special order some when we were in Arizona) It became obvious that both of us were too lean. Now I regularly chop the throttle at 800 feet above the ground and land with closed throttle. ( I generally climb, so that I can land. The rest of the time I am a lot lower.) Have not had a sputter,pause or cough or for that matter a reading out of the parameters. (I have a EIS) I have witnessed the phenomenon, but not with this set up. It seemed to be common with the 447. Larry C do not archive ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 11:07:25 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Big Twin 4 stroke? From: "grantr" What do you guys think of the Big Twin from www.culverprops.com here is the direct link http://culverprops.com/big-twin.php Check out the videos of the Kolb MK II. Its hard to believe that a 38 hp engine turning a max rpm of 3600rpm will fly the plane. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146670#146670 ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 11:33:11 AM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Oil Injection Pump It was the 582 powered FSII next door to me, that I do the maintenance on, (And am just getting ready to go out and finish the engine re-installation) the owner was about 20 miles away, had done a touch & go at a local grass strip and was headed home when the engine quit. Landed w/o incident, engine would not start or run. A few minutes later it started, ran fine, and he called me on his cell phone, wondering if he could fly it home safely. I told him it had likely seized, and would probably seize again. But if he was determined to fly it home, take off (it was a big open field with lots of options), circle and climb until he was at least 2500 agl, and then head home, expecting it to fail. He did, and it worked. Pulled the engine down and could find nothing wrong with it. Sent it to Solo Aviation, and had it majored. In the process of putting it back on the airplane and hooking all the systems back up, discovered grit in the oil injection pump filter, on the downstream side (pump side) of the filter screen. Think about this for a while. I have thought about it for a month. This is the filter that goes in the oil line from the reservoir to the pump, we took it off, and there was sand and grit on the pump side of the screen. There was nothing in the oil injection tank or the line to the filter, or in the upstream side of the filter. Where did the grit come from? No clue. The filter had sat for a while, unless a mud dauber had stuffed it with mud while it was tucked away in a box...??? DurnifIknow. This solved a problem that this engine has had for a while, the PTO end carb float bowl started filling up with oil any time the airplane sat for any length of time. Replaced the ball check valves on the outside of the injection pump and that cured it for a week or so, but then it started again. If you let the airplane sit for 2 weeks, preflight entailed removing the PTO end float bowl and dumping out all the oil that had accumulated. Or else start it on the mag end cylinder and run it until it sucked all the oil out and finally started running on two, fogging the neighborhood in the process. The grit had been getting into the little ball check valve and holding it open, and the oil must have been flowing through the pump, into the manifold, around the needle, and into the float bowl. Yeah, I know it sounds screwy, better ideas invited. Kind of like the mud on the wrong side of the oil filter. Better ideas invited... Removed the oil pump cover, the upper end had grit in it, you could see it through the oil intake pipe and also through where the ball check valves are attached. Knowing that the pump is lubricated via the oil injection oil also being in the pump, pulled the bottom cover off the pump and found that all the little roller bearings were running in a black mess of oil and metal, the grit was gradually eating away the guts of the pump. Not sure how much longer it would have lasted, but it certainly was not airworthy. Nothing damaged but the man's wallet, but it certainly is a complicated and involved scenario. Now my break's over, off to the hangar to finish putting it all back together. Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) FSII N582EF Frank Clyma wrote: > _REF:_ > > Anybody got an oil injection pump for a 582 sitting on a shelf, > > collecting > > dust? I need one. Yesterday. > > > > Richard Pike > ---------------------------------- > Richard, > Would you tell us what happened to your old pump---and how you > caught the problem B4 it seized your engine? > > Thanks, > Frank Clyma > Orange Park, FL > 503 DCDI/oil injected owner > * > > * ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 12:17:34 PM PST US From: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Big Twin 4 stroke? This is a smaller version of the same redrive I have on my VW. That is a fairly light plane with a light pilot and it was cold. This might be a alternative for a FirestarII. I had a discussion with Honda Don at Sun N Fun last year about this engine. His comment was Honda engines are smooth because they have the heaviest flywheels in the business. The first thing the guys a Valley did was cut the fly wheel off to reduce the engine weight. I have never seen it run up close. Maybe the redrive smoothes it out???? Rick Neilsen Redrive VW powered MKIIIC ----- Original Message ----- From: "grantr" Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2007 2:07 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Big Twin 4 stroke? > > What do you guys think of the Big Twin from www.culverprops.com > > here is the direct link http://culverprops.com/big-twin.php > Check out the videos of the Kolb MK II. > > Its hard to believe that a 38 hp engine turning a max rpm of 3600rpm will > fly the plane. > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146670#146670 > > > ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 02:01:20 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Worlds largest engine is a 2-stroke From: "JetPilot" Those are neat pictures, but the fact that that engine is a 2 stroke does not mean anything. First, that engine is running at 102 RPM, and has a dedicated oil system rather than just mixing oil with the fuel. That makes all the difference in the world in reliability. It is also much easier to have racks of computers and many controls on board a ship to keep the conditions, fuel flow, etc. for that engine absolutely perfect. So while very neat, one should not make the mistake of thinking that this engine gives any indication of the reliability the 2 stroke engines we fly. Mike -------- "NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!! Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146692#146692 ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 02:07:41 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Big Twin 4 stroke? From: "JetPilot" Given the price of that engine, I would definitely go with the HKS instead. The big twin engine is heavy, low on power, and pretty darned expensive. The HKS has almost twice the power for the weight... Also, HKS has proven reliability in other planes, there is just nothing that makes bit twin worth the risk. At 5000 dollars, the big twin is very expensive for a anchor of an engine, especially when the HKS does not cost that much more ! JettPilot -------- "NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!! Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146693#146693 ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 02:54:30 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke From: knowvne@aol.com Rotax to Discontinure the 503?? Who's starting that rumor???? Mark -----Original Message----- From: lucien Sent: Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:16 am Subject: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke JetPilot wrote: > > Hi Jim > > The best engine for the Firestar appears to be the HKS 4 stroke engine. Dave Bigelow installed an HKS engine on his Firestar to fly over very hostile terrain in Hawaii, and has had very good luck with it. Although there is only one case of the HKS on a Kolb that I know of, Dave is very technically competent and has posted an about his setup on this forum: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?t=13013&highlight=hks > > Trikes have been much faster to adopt the HKS engine, it is now the engine of choice on the more expensive Mid Sized trikes that are to small for a 912's. The reliability, and smoothness of this engine is well known in the many trikes flying this engine. > > Mike Actually the best engine for the FS is the 503, but putting that aside.... (add lots of smileys here) The HKS does seem to be becoming successful and I'm gratified to see the Oleniks selling and supporting it. I had Tom do the 150 hour's on a couple of my 503's and there aren't better guys to work with than them. I think they know everything about ligh a/c motors than anyone. I'm really glad to see it working well out in the field, as it'll give a good alternative right in a sore spot - the 60 to 65hp range.... PS: Now I'm going to say something _truly_ heretical: I've been an ower-operator of the 912S for about a year now and am already finding myself wishing I was back to running a 2-stroke, specifically the 503, again. I love the 912, it runs great and it gives no trouble, but the 503 is still simpler by a long ways to debug and maintain, and parts are so vastly, vastly cheaper (when you need them). And it also gives no trouble apart from the need for 150 hour's...... There, I said it - I'm a 2-stroke heretic not particularly impressed by the 4-stroke craze.... Alas, though, I've been told that Rotax is going to discontinue the 447 and 503 in a few years, so we may be stuck with the alternatives whether we like it or not ;). LS -------- LS FS II Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146627#146627 ________________________________________________________________________ Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 05:28:27 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke From: "grantr" Someone told me that someone with Lockwood aviation said rotax was discontinuing the 447 and 503s Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146722#146722 ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 09:49:07 PM PST US From: Mike Welch Subject: Kolb-List: cutting and drilling Lexan Kolb builder guys, I began cutting the Lexan for my doors on the MkIII and managed to crack one. I wasn't trying to cut the exact fit, just sort of close, so I could handle the piece easier. But, a crack snapped a huge corner off and now the rest is too small to use, so I have to get another piece. Crud!! And seeing as how I screwed up one of the pieces, I thought I'd ask for some help from anyone who figures they've got Lexan fabrication down to a science! Yes, I have read up on some pointers from the internet, like scoring with a sheetrock knife, and ONLY using a special drillbit made for drilling into plastic, but is there any additonal tips and tricks you guys know? Like, is water needed for cooling to drill a hole, or is the bit all you need? Any useful pointers would be much appreciated. Thanks, Mike Welch....... windowless in SW Utah _________________________________________________________________ Connect and share in new ways with Windows Live. http://www.windowslive.com/connect.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_Wave2_newways_112007 ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 09:52:19 PM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke I have a Northwing Apache Sport. It has an M-Pulse 19 wing on it today, but it will have a Quest 14.5 on it tomorrow. I finished setting up the new wing this afternoon, but decided to give it a good going over in the morning before I put it on the trike. I've been so spoiled by the way the big wing can use convective lift to keep fuel consumption down about as low as it's possible to get. There have been some days I've gotten the fuel burn down to under 2 gallons an hour. I normally cruise at 4700 rpm which gets me an airspeed of 42. Aerial yachting at its finest. If Kamron is right I should pick up 20 mph with the smaller double surface wing. Rick On Nov 17, 2007 10:03 AM, JetPilot wrote: > > > jindoguy(at)gmail.com wrote: > > > > As for the HKS, I have one on my trike, runs like a champ and sips > > gas. I did 25 landings yesterday afternoon in two hours of flying and > > it burned 4 gallons. Can't wait to get one on a Kolb. > > > > Rick > > > > > > > > > What kind of trike do you have Rick ? I fly an Air Creations Racer, I would love the buggy with the HKS and KISS wing, but they are way expensive new ! There don't seem to be any used ones on the market yet, which also says a lot :) > > JettPilot > > -------- > "NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!! > > Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146637#146637 > > ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 09:53:43 PM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: cutting and drilling Lexan Are you sure it's Lexan? Sounds like Plexiglas or acrylic. Lexan you can beat on it or bend the fool out of it and it ignores you. Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) Mike Welch wrote: > > > Kolb builder guys, > > I began cutting the Lexan for my doors on the MkIII and managed to crack one. I wasn't trying to cut the exact fit, just sort of close, so I could handle the piece easier. But, a crack snapped a huge corner off and now the rest is too small to use, so I have to get another piece. Crud!! And seeing as how I screwed up one of the pieces, I thought I'd ask for some help from anyone who figures they've got Lexan fabrication down to a science! > > Yes, I have read up on some pointers from the internet, like scoring with a sheetrock knife, and ONLY using a special drillbit made for drilling into plastic, but is there any additonal tips and tricks you guys know? > > Like, is water needed for cooling to drill a hole, or is the bit all you need? > > Any useful pointers would be much appreciated. > > Thanks, Mike Welch....... windowless in SW Utah > _________________________________________________________________ > Connect and share in new ways with Windows Live. > http://www.windowslive.com/connect.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_Wave2_newways_112007 > > > ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 10:02:46 PM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Big Twin 4 stroke? At the weight you're quoting for the big twin, which is entirely in line with the weights listed for the Vanguard and Honda V Twin industrial engines, the Continental A084 becomes real attractive. They can still be had for under $1000 and you get the designed in balance of the flat 4. Rick On Nov 17, 2007 4:07 PM, JetPilot wrote: > > Given the price of that engine, I would definitely go with the HKS instead. The big twin engine is heavy, low on power, and pretty darned expensive. The HKS has almost twice the power for the weight... > > Also, HKS has proven reliability in other planes, there is just nothing that makes bit twin worth the risk. At 5000 dollars, the big twin is very expensive for a anchor of an engine, especially when the HKS does not cost that much more ! > > JettPilot > > -------- > "NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!! > > Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146693#146693 > > ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 10:05:06 PM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Big Twin 4 stroke? I should add that they have an active following on Yahoo Groups where you can find a lot of info to make the conversion from generator powerplant to aircraft engine pretty painless. Rick On Nov 18, 2007 12:02 AM, Richard Girard wrote: > At the weight you're quoting for the big twin, which is entirely in > line with the weights listed for the Vanguard and Honda V Twin > industrial engines, the Continental A084 becomes real attractive. They > can still be had for under $1000 and you get the designed in balance > of the flat 4. > > Rick > > > On Nov 17, 2007 4:07 PM, JetPilot wrote: > > > > Given the price of that engine, I would definitely go with the HKS instead. The big twin engine is heavy, low on power, and pretty darned expensive. The HKS has almost twice the power for the weight... > > > > Also, HKS has proven reliability in other planes, there is just nothing that makes bit twin worth the risk. At 5000 dollars, the big twin is very expensive for a anchor of an engine, especially when the HKS does not cost that much more ! > > > > JettPilot > > > > -------- > > "NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!! > > > > Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S > > > > > > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146693#146693 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 10:09:20 PM PST US From: Mike Welch Subject: RE: Kolb-List: cutting and drilling Lexan Actually, you're right. The first piece I just screwed up today was plexiglass. But, years ago, when I installed the Lexan windshield on my MkIII, I evidently didn't do it correctly then, either. I ended up getting tons of cracks off the mounting holes I drilled. So, after admitting I've not taken the fabrication correctly and seriously enough, I want to only proceed the right way. So, what have you got for me? Tips, pointers, criticisms? Hmm? Mike W. > Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:53:33 -0500 > From: richard@bcchapel.org > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: cutting and drilling Lexan > > > Are you sure it's Lexan? Sounds like Plexiglas or acrylic. Lexan you can > beat on it or bend the fool out of it and it ignores you. > > Richard Pike > MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) > > Mike Welch wrote: >> >> >> Kolb builder guys, >> >> I began cutting the Lexan for my doors on the MkIII and managed to crack one. I wasn't trying to cut the exact fit, just sort of close, so I could handle the piece easier. But, a crack snapped a huge corner off and now the rest is too small to use, so I have to get another piece. Crud!! And seeing as how I screwed up one of the pieces, I thought I'd ask for some help from anyone who figures they've got Lexan fabrication down to a science! >> >> Yes, I have read up on some pointers from the internet, like scoring with a sheetrock knife, and ONLY using a special drillbit made for drilling into plastic, but is there any additonal tips and tricks you guys know? >> >> Like, is water needed for cooling to drill a hole, or is the bit all you need? >> >> Any useful pointers would be much appreciated. >> >> Thanks, Mike Welch....... windowless in SW Utah >> _________________________________________________________________ >> Connect and share in new ways with Windows Live. >> http://www.windowslive.com/connect.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_Wave2_newways_112007 >> >> >> >> >> >> > > _________________________________________________________________ You keep typing, we keep giving. Download Messenger and join the im Initiative now. ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 10:11:56 PM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke Ceramic 4 stroke engines that produce 1.25 HP per LB and have fuel burns in the .25 lb. per hp hour. Real Soon Now. Rick On Nov 17, 2007 4:53 PM, wrote: > > Rotax to Discontinure the 503?? > Who's starting that rumor???? > > Mark > > > -----Original Message----- > From: lucien > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Sent: Sat, 17 Nov 2007 10:16 am > Subject: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke > > > > > JetPilot wrote: > > > > Hi Jim > > > > The best engine for the Firestar appears to be the HKS 4 stroke > engine. Dave > Bigelow installed an HKS engine on his Firestar to fly over very > hostile terrain > in Hawaii, and has had very good luck with it. Although there is only > one case > of the HKS on a Kolb that I know of, Dave is very technically competent > and has > posted an about his setup on this forum: > > > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?t=13013&highlight=hks > > > > Trikes have been much faster to adopt the HKS engine, it is now the > engine of > choice on the more expensive Mid Sized trikes that are to small for a > 912's. > The reliability, and smoothness of this engine is well known in the > many trikes > flying this engine. > > > > Mike > > > Actually the best engine for the FS is the 503, but putting that > aside.... > > (add lots of smileys here) > > The HKS does seem to be becoming successful and I'm gratified to see > the Oleniks > selling and supporting it. I had Tom do the 150 hour's on a couple of > my 503's > and there aren't better guys to work with than them. I think they know > everything about ligh a/c motors than anyone. > > I'm really glad to see it working well out in the field, as it'll give > a good > alternative right in a sore spot - the 60 to 65hp range.... > > PS: Now I'm going to say something _truly_ heretical: > I've been an ower-operator of the 912S for about a year now and am > already > finding myself wishing I was back to running a 2-stroke, specifically > the 503, > again. > I love the 912, it runs great and it gives no trouble, but the 503 is > still > simpler by a long ways to debug and maintain, and parts are so vastly, > vastly > cheaper (when you need them). And it also gives no trouble apart from > the need > for 150 hour's...... > > There, I said it - I'm a 2-stroke heretic not particularly impressed by > the > 4-stroke craze.... > > Alas, though, I've been told that Rotax is going to discontinue the 447 > and 503 > in a few years, so we may be stuck with the alternatives whether we > like it or > not ;). > > LS > > -------- > LS > FS II > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146627#146627 > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - > http://mail.aol.com > > ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 10:16:00 PM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: 2 stroke vs 4 stroke According to Eric Tucker, in 2006 Rotax made 900 two stroke aircraft engines of all sizes. Not exactly a huge market. In contrast, they made 4000 of the 912 / 914 series. Rick On Nov 17, 2007 7:27 PM, grantr wrote: > > Someone told me that someone with Lockwood aviation said rotax was discontinuing the 447 and 503s > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=146722#146722 > > ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 10:27:39 PM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: cutting and drilling Lexan Mike, I use the same grind for Lexan that I use for very soft metals. I touch the cutting edge of the drill flute so that the cutting face is parallel to the center axis of the drill. This flat face only has to be .02 to .03 wide. It makes the drill shave off the material as it cuts and it doesn't get sucked through as the drill exits the sheet. Hope that makes sense. I have a sketch somewhere. I'll try to find it in the morning while I'm having my coffee transfusion. I know some on this list recommend aviation shears or big scissors and that works great if you have really good arthritis drugs. My hands cramp up too badly for me to use them for anything more than short cuts. I like carbide grit saw blades, either round of jig saw style work fine. Rick On Nov 17, 2007 11:48 PM, Mike Welch wrote: > > > Kolb builder guys, > > I began cutting the Lexan for my doors on the MkIII and managed to crack one. I wasn't trying to cut the exact fit, just sort of close, so I could handle the piece easier. But, a crack snapped a huge corner off and now the rest is too small to use, so I have to get another piece. Crud!! And seeing as how I screwed up one of the pieces, I thought I'd ask for some help from anyone who figures they've got Lexan fabrication down to a science! > > Yes, I have read up on some pointers from the internet, like scoring with a sheetrock knife, and ONLY using a special drillbit made for drilling into plastic, but is there any additonal tips and tricks you guys know? > > Like, is water needed for cooling to drill a hole, or is the bit all you need? > > Any useful pointers would be much appreciated. > > Thanks, Mike Welch....... windowless in SW Utah > _________________________________________________________________ > Connect and share in new ways with Windows Live. > http://www.windowslive.com/connect.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_Wave2_newways_112007 > > ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 10:39:17 PM PST US From: Mike Welch Subject: RE: Kolb-List: cutting and drilling Lexan I'm so gun-shy now, about wrecking more pieces, I wonder if I should just buy the factory drill bit. I guess if you have a drawing of the correct shape of the cutting tip, then I ought to try and make one, and do lots of practicing. I know Richard said true Lexan is pretty durable, but even still, there is a right way and wrong way, and I'd prefer to just stay with the right way, at this point. Thanks, I'll look forward to the picture in the morning, Mike > Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:27:20 -0600 > From: jindoguy@gmail.com > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: cutting and drilling Lexan > > > Mike, I use the same grind for Lexan that I use for very soft metals. > I touch the cutting edge of the drill flute so that the cutting face > is parallel to the center axis of the drill. This flat face only has > to be .02 to .03 wide. It makes the drill shave off the material as it > cuts and it doesn't get sucked through as the drill exits the sheet. > Hope that makes sense. I have a sketch somewhere. I'll try to find it > in the morning while I'm having my coffee transfusion. > I know some on this list recommend aviation shears or big scissors and > that works great if you have really good arthritis drugs. My hands > cramp up too badly for me to use them for anything more than short > cuts. I like carbide grit saw blades, either round of jig saw style > work fine. > > Rick > > On Nov 17, 2007 11:48 PM, Mike Welch wrote: >> >> >> Kolb builder guys, >> >> I began cutting the Lexan for my doors on the MkIII and managed to crack one. I wasn't trying to cut the exact fit, just sort of close, so I could handle the piece easier. But, a crack snapped a huge corner off and now the rest is too small to use, so I have to get another piece. Crud!! And seeing as how I screwed up one of the pieces, I thought I'd ask for some help from anyone who figures they've got Lexan fabrication down to a science! >> >> Yes, I have read up on some pointers from the internet, like scoring with a sheetrock knife, and ONLY using a special drillbit made for drilling into plastic, but is there any additonal tips and tricks you guys know? >> >> Like, is water needed for cooling to drill a hole, or is the bit all you need? >> >> Any useful pointers would be much appreciated. >> >> Thanks, Mike Welch....... windowless in SW Utah >> _________________________________________________________________ >> Connect and share in new ways with Windows Live. >> http://www.windowslive.com/connect.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_Wave2_newways_112007 >> >> >> >> >> > > _________________________________________________________________ Put your friends on the big screen with Windows Vista + Windows Live. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/shop/specialoffers.mspx?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_CPC_MediaCtr_bigscreen_102007 ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 10:50:52 PM PST US From: Mike Welch Subject: RE: Kolb-List: cutting and drilling Lexan I should mention I NOW have true Lexan to put on the doors, not acrylic. I did not think Lexan was available in my area, but I found it (when I wen t to the store to replace the broken piece), and will use the proper produc t in the doors. I have the windshield from Travis, but I thought I'd try and get the door "glass" locally. At that time, all I could find was plexiglass, and thoug ht that it would be okay for the doors. Not!! Anyway, I have the right stuff now. Mike PS. I'm headed to Missouri around Christmas to look around and see the sig hts. Heard lots of good things about the area. Do Not Archive _________________________________________________________________ Your smile counts. 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