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Paul Folbrecht
Joined: 22 Dec 2008
Posts: 14
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 Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 5:49 am Post subject: Old 912s |
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It seems that we are now seeing a lot of planes on the used market (Rans, Foxes, etc) with 912s in the 10-12 year-old range.
According to Rotax such engines (except possibly for certain SN that can be extended to 15 yrs, though I don't think that applies to any this old) are due for OH, regardless of time on the engine.
Of course, even with certified engines (in non-commercial use), TBO is just a guideline, and an engine that's behaving well (compressions, not making metal) can go long past TBO.
I do know of my Lyc 235s (for example) that are running healthy long after the 10-year TBO has passed. (Maybe that is the most bulletproof GA engine ever.)
You can probably see where this is going: I'm in the market for some light two-place and most of them have 912s, many of them 10 years or older but with < 500 hours, frequently way under that.
Any reason to fear such engines? If a scoping looks Ok and compressions are good - are you in the clear? Does that really diagnose the low-end? If the owner has not been doing filter analysis - no way to know if it's making metal, is there? Although I think usually that will affect compressions.
I apologize for the vague questions. If there were a book on this subject I'd read it. Local Rotax expertise is not high. I am in the market now and am seeing many such engines.
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Roger Lee
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1464
Location: Tucson, Az.
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 6:42 am Post subject: Re: Old 912s |
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If you have an experimental you can go past the TBO, but should have been doing good maintenance all along, including oil analysis. The majority of the experimental owner's do not follow the exact Rotax recommendations and maint. schedules, but should have. There is no reason to fear going past TBO. Some engines have 3000+ hours on them, but the older they get the more attention they should have. Trying to save a dollar or two along the way can cost thousands later.
Just to let people know that if you own an SLSA then the TBO is mandatory. On experimental's and some GA aircraft it is not.
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_________________
Roger Lee
Tucson, Az.
Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
Light Sport Repairman
Home 520-574-1080 TRY HOME FIRST
Cell 520-349-7056 |
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pchristensen10(at)austin.
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| Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 7:41 am Post subject: Old 912s |
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Roger is right. My Kitfox has a 912 with 500+ hours and is 18 years old.
Rotax says rebuild after 12?? years I believe or maybe it's 15 years. I
baby mine.
Pete
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Paul Folbrecht
Joined: 22 Dec 2008
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Fri May 14, 2010 6:30 am Post subject: Re: Old 912s |
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The earliest engines had a 10-year TBO. It was extended to 12 and then 15 on later models.
As stated, all guidelines.
I wish I could understand the motivation for it. I've been it's a matter of seals drying but even a tear-down replacing all gaskets & seals is no major OH!
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