Jonathan,
I appreciate the time you spent in replying thank you.
You have answered my question in that the intermediate frame on the XS will
accommodate the longer starter motor.
A friend of mine accidentally ran his 912 (80 HP) without oil and ceased it
so we are looking at the option of a 912S to replace it. I was concerned
that the longer starter motor on the 912S might not fit so am relieved to
know now that it will.
Thanks again
Kingsley
-----Original Message-----
From: jonathanmilbank
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2016 7:20 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Re: XS Firewall Forward Question
Kingsley,
While I'm not best qualified to give you an answer, I built an early Europa
Classic kit UK#54. In the past 19 years it has given me and many others much
enjoyment and to quote Bud Yerly's website " After his career in the Air
Force, he began looking and found the Europa was the finest flying sport
aircraft hands down, with good cruise and excellent economy."
However there's one benefit I wish I could have in my Classic, which the XS
offers and that is the engine mount with intermediate frame which moves the
engine about 8" or 20cm forward. This facilitates installing the
longer-bodied starter motor.
Originally I had the excellent 80hp engine, but after changing undercarriage
---From mono to tri-gear, it became necessary to change from 80hp to 100hp to
overcome the extra rolling resistance on grass caused by smaller wheels.
Historically the 100hp 912ULS unit had starting difficulties and various
measures were introduced to overcome these, including the longer starter
motor. Thus far I've found that my 912ULS can be started without
"kick-backs", but I would be happier if I could also have installed the
longer starter. The Classic frame simply won't accommodate it!
If you have the 80hp engine and it has the shorter starter, I would be
surprised if you experience significant starting problems. I didn't.
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