Don't know about your source but the person I trusted (as did many others
including Rotax) to keep me informed about the Rotax engines always stated
"the 912/914 series engine is happiest and will get the best longevity ABOVE
5,000 RPM in the cruise". He is now gone as of July of this year but his
experience was trusted enough that Kodiak research and Rotax called him to
assist in product development. Glen had forgotten more about Rotax engines
than most of us could ever learn. He never steered me or anyone I know
wrong, and I trusted his opinions and ideas about these engines with my life
on more than one occasion.
Oh, and you WILL foul plugs on 100 LL and reduced power settings
eventually. Or put up with the auto gas smell. Or have to add TCP all the
time. When you have 1,000 plus hours on a 912/914 come back and let us
know how you're doing. Keep an eye on the gearbox too.
Jim T.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Duncan
McFadyean
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Rotax 914 question?
--> <ami@mcfadyean.freeserve.co.uk>
OK, I'll bite!
I cruise at about 4,000rpm. And have done for over 200 hours of use,
excepting climb-out at 4,800 and the odd spurt to see how fast it will go.
The plugs are squeaky-clean. The piston crowns are quite clean. There is no
loss of compression or performance that suggests that the piston rings are
coked. The engine uses virtually no oil between changes and the oil
discolouration is mid brown colour at 100 hours.
Our local Rotax dealer commented flippantly that at these speeds the engine
would 'last forever'!
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