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1. 01:20 PM - Re: MK III Engine Options (KIRBY, DENNIS T GS-13 USAF AFMC AFNWC/ENS)
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| Subject: | Re: MK III Engine Options |
"ron.dace" wrote:
<< I will probably fly it in the 50 to 80 hour a year range. An under 10K option
would be optimal. If it cost more then a 912 would be worth considering.
Buying new is expensive, buying used is fraught with risk. >>
Ron / All -
I must agree with John H's advice, that the Rotax-912 (either model) is a good
bet for your money.
When I finished building my Mark-3 in 2002 (before it was labeled "Classic"), like
you, I too was looking to save a few bucks on an engine. I bought a new Verner-1400
(80 hp) because it looked like a good 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine with
lots of torque. New price was $7500. I even flew in another Mark-3 with that
engine installed to be sure. Seemed to fly fine with that engine. The engine
sounded good and provided plenty of power. The Kolb Company was also experimenting
with that engine, so I thought I made a good choice. Well ...
Turns out the engine was creating an insidious and destructive harmonic vibration
in my Kolb that made it unsuitable to continue use. Pulled it off after only
20 hours and began looking for a different engine. The guys at Kolb Co also
concluded that the Verner was not a good match for the Mark-3, and scrapped
further testing with that engine.
I began looking on Barnstormers, and found a low-time 80 hp 912ul (with only 22
hrs TT) for sale for $8500. Bought it, and it was the best choice I could have
made. I've put 300 hours on my Kolb since then, and it has never missed a
beat. As Hauck said, reliability is key, and this engine delivers. Plug and
play for a Kolb Mark-3. No experimentation or modification necessary to make
it fit right. I'd rather spend my time flying instead of experimenting.
So, keep your eyes on Barnstormers - the 912 does occasionally come up for sale.
And if you buy one that's in good shape, you won't be disappointed. That was
MY experience, anyway. Good luck ...
Dennis Kirby
Mark-3 / 912ul / Powerfin-72
Sandia Park, NM
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