Questions Rotax Engines

Captain Wubba wrote:

Hello. I am currently evaluating engine choices for a possible sport
plane purchase. I'm a CFI, and have plenty of experience with planes
powered by Lycomings and Continentals, but never have flown one
powered by a Rotax. Specifically I am looking for information on the
Rotax 582 and the Rotax 912. If anyone could help me out, I would
greatly appreciate it. Especially appreciated are responses from
people with extensive experience with the engines themselves.

1. How reliable are the 582 and the 912. I have heard some bad things
about both, and some people speak of the the utter unreliability of
the 2-stroke engines like the 582. And experiences either way?

2. The 582 has a stated TBO of 1200 hours, and the 912 of 1500 hours.
Are these reasonable, or simply marketing numbers?

3. What are the ballpark overhaul costs of each engine?

4. What are the typical 'real-world' fuel burns per hour?

5. Do either engine have problems with vibration or any other specific
isssue that might make the plane they power less 'fun' to fly?

6. Do either of these engines have any especially nasty failure modes?
Compared to Lycomings or Contientals, are either of these engines more
prone to failure, or have there been any documented issues with engine
failure?

7. What kind of maintenance requirements are associated with each
engine? Are they relatively easy to perform preventive maintenance on?

I greatly appreciate any help that anyone might be able to provide.

Thanks,

Cap


First, when you come across those 582's with a real 1200 hour TBO, I
want several,,,,,,,,,

also, I've heard that the Lyc's possible blow oil all over your
windshiled,

this does not happen with two strokes, especially pushers, that's the
good news,

your questions indicate you should stay with the big four
strokes,,,,,,,,there are not good answers to them for sure,,,,,,,
--


Mark Smith
Tri-State Kite Sales http://www.trikite.com
1121 N Locust St
Mt Vernon, IN 47620
1-812-838-6351