---------------------------------------------------------- RotaxEngines-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 11/25/09: 3 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 08:03 AM - Re: Close-up of Viton tips... (Blumax008@aol.com) 2. 09:06 AM - Re: seeking comments on 914 (Ken Ryan) 3. 09:08 AM - Re: seeking comments on 914 (Ken Ryan) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 08:03:15 AM PST US From: Blumax008@aol.com Subject: Re: RotaxEngines-List: Close-up of Viton tips... New Viton tip to left. Notice the deterioration in the tip end of the old one to right. However, it's hard to tell if there's any swelling going on. Shrinking is a possibility if you compare the right to the left. The left looks much fuller. ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 09:06:19 AM PST US Subject: Re: RotaxEngines-List: seeking comments on 914 From: Ken Ryan Thanks Bob, I like the idea of getting the Rotax training before I decide. That's a really good idea. Also, it gives me an excuse for a winter vacation to someplace warm. Ken On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 7:15 AM, Bob Borger wrote: > Ken, > > Mountains & short strips. I guess you are leaning toward the 914 aren't you? > > Both engines have reputations for reliability as long as they are properl y operated and maintained. When they fail, it's usually a result of operat or or maintenance error. I'd highly recommend attending one of the Rotax 9 xx operations and maintenance courses before you start one for the first ti me. They are not your typical Lycoming or Continental. I have an album on my build web site ( http://www.europaowners.org/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=6 4472 ) devoted to the 9xx course I attended at Lockwood Aviation in Sebring , FL. Check it out. I just looked at it and all the text blocks related t o the images are missing because the site managers are in the midst of an u pgrade. But if you click on one of the pics the detailed text is there wit h the enlarged pic. > > The 914 (115 HP) is turbocharged, but the 912S (100 HP) has high-compress ion pistons/rods, so both are stressed more than the 912 (80 HP). Just str essed in slightly different ways. > > Maybe you should attend a Rotax 9xx course before you decide on the engin e for you. Be fully informed and have an opportunity to talk to the instru ctor and others who can help steer you in the right direction for you appli cation. > > Just some random thoughts... > > Check six, > Bob Borger > > > On Monday, November 23, 2009, at 11:33PM, "Ken Ryan" wrote: > > > > Thanks Robert, > > I'm in Alaska, so mountain flying is on the agenda (some mighty big > mountains). Short strips are also in the equation. > > Any thoughts on reliability of 914 vs 912 -- that's an important > consideration to me, too. > > Ken Ryan > > > On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 5:06 PM, Robert Borger wrote: > >> Ken, >> >> The 914 is a fine engine if you need the turbo and power. Will you be >> operating at high density altitudes? In the mountains? Doing long cros s >> country flying where you need to fly high? Do you really need those ext ra >> 15 horses to get in/out of tight strips? >> >> If you answer yes to any of those question, you may need the 914. If >> not, the 912S is a lot less expensive. >> >> As for the differences in installation. The biggest differences are in >> the induction system and the exhaust system. All because of the turbo. The >> 912 usually has the air intake on the top of the cowl and into a fibergl ass >> or plastic plenum where it is divided and sent to either side to the car bs. >> The 914 has the intake on the lower starboard (right viewed from pilot >> seat) where the turbo inlet resides. The turbo sends it upward into the big >> aluminum manifold where it is split into the carbs. >> >> The 914 also has a lot of electrical connections for sensors for the >> turbo controller that the 912 doesn't have. And, of course, the 914 has a >> turbo waste gate controller to set and adjust manifold pressure. >> >> You can go to the Europa web site ( http://www.europa-aircraft.co.uk/ ) >> to the "Builder Assistance" area, "Builders Manuals" and download the Eu ropa >> installation manuals for both the 912 and 914 to get an idea of the >> differences. Perhaps, Europa would sell you a FF kit for the 914 should you >> decide you need one. >> >> Hope this helps, >> Bob Borger >> Europa Kit #A221 N914XL, XS Mono, Intercooled 914, Airmaster C/S >> http://www.europaowners.org/N914XL >> Aircraft Flying! >> 3705 Lynchburg Dr. >> Corinth, TX 76208 >> Home: 940-497-2123 >> Cel: 817-992-1117 >> >> >> >> On Nov 23, 2009, at 9:00, Ken Ryan wrote: >> >> Hello list, >> >> I'm building a Zenith CH-750 and am pondering engine choices. The one th at >> seems to me to be the "best" choice for my mission is the Rotax 914. >> >> I would like comments on this engine, comparing it to the 912 because >> that's an option, too. >> >> Also, if I do decide to use the 914 there most likely will not be a >> firewall forward kit, although there will be a 912 firewall forward kit. I'm >> also wondering just how much modification would be required to the 912 F F to >> accommodate the 914. >> >> So, general comments on the 914 AND specific comments on the FF situatio n >> would be greatly appreciated. >> >> Thanks, >> >> Ken Ryan >> >> >> * >> >> href="http://www.aeroelectric.com/">www.aeroelectric.com >> href="http://www.buildersbooks.com/">www.buildersbooks.com >> href="http://www.homebuilthelp.com/">www.homebuilthelp.com >> href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/ contribution >> href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RotaxEngines-List">http://www .matronics.com/Navigator?RotaxEngines-List >> href="http://forums.matronics.com/">http://forums.matronics.com >> * >> >> >> > * > ectric.com > ">www.buildersbooks.combuilthelp.com > .matronics.com/contribution > ist">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RotaxEngines-Listics.com > * > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 09:08:05 AM PST US Subject: Re: RotaxEngines-List: seeking comments on 914 From: Ken Ryan Thanks Paul, That's all really interesting. I found your previous post where you mentioned that while you had the engine off, you were going to try to address some cooling issues. What sort of cooling issues were you having? Regarding the prop balancing, what prop were you using? Were you finding that it was getting out of balance? Ken On Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 2:36 PM, Paul McAllister wrote: > Hi Ken, > > I see that you have already got a number of responses to your question. I > have a 914 in my Europa that has about 850 hours on it. In terms of > maintenance I did the following: > > - Changed the oil every 25 and oil + filter every 50 using a synthetic > blend (More that what Rotax specify) > - Kept the carburetors balanced at all times. > - Replaced the plugs regularly and always ensured that they were correctly > gapped > - Had the gear box shims checked every 300 hours (More that what Rotax > specify) > - Keep the propeller dynamically balanced, that is to say, I had it > balanced every time I removed it. > - Used a pre heater in the winter > > My engine has always been very reliable, but unfortunately developed a leak > on the crank case. I had the engine stripped and there was evidence of > fretting, which although happens is unusual. Just call me lucky I guess. > The upside was that when was a part the Rotax mechanic could not see any > signs of wear in any part of the engine. I asked him should I at least > throw a set of rings in it while it was apart but he assured me that it was > a waste of money. The only thing he wanted me to do was to change it to a > fully synthetic oil. > > Based on my experience a 914 should see the 1200 hour TBO and beyond if you > take care of it. > > Would I buy one again.... I have to say at $30k + they sure are a chunk of > change, but in the right application they are a "kick ass" little engine. I > easily see 150 knots TAS in the 8000 ~ 12000 feet range for 28" of MP using > 5.3 ~ 5.5 US gallons per hour. As many others have said, it depends on your > mission profile. > > Regards, Paul > > * > > * > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message rotaxengines-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/RotaxEngines-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/rotaxengines-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/rotaxengines-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.