On 1/10/2012 6:41 PM, GC wrote:
A 2-stroke is a 2-stroke is a 2-stroke.

I own one outright, have a share in another,

big snip of vibration related problems


Of course except for Schleicher's Wankel. Mind you, when the Wankel does
go you need to have a lot of money saved up. Your local A&P will be even
more reluctant touch it than he is with a 2-stroke so you'll have to put
it in a box and post it to Poppenhausen. That's why Rotax and Solo still
find a home.

After 17 years, 3300 flight hours, and 170 engine hours, I can report
that vibration related problems with the Wankel (mine and other owners)
are essentially zero. I haven't any engine problems that an A&P couldn't
fix, as none of them involved opening the engine, but only replacing
external components. GC is correct that if it's internal, it goes back
to Schleicher, as no one in the USA works on the innards.

Don't get me started on the engineering quality that demands stainless
braided, aircraft quality fuel lines - joined by NYLON barbed fittings!

The ASH 26 E came with metal fittings from the very start in 1994, and
it's replacement, the ASH 31 Mi, continues that tradition. Another
feature is the engine does not move with the prop, as the prop is on a
mast that pivots while the engine remains bolted to the fuselage (rubber
mounts, of course). This eliminates electric cable and fuel line
flexing, and mating problems with the exhaust system, although the
radiator hoses must flex (that's not bee a problem).

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)

- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation Mar/2004" Much of what
you need to know tinyurl.com/yfs7tnz