Found service bulletin SB-912-057UL for the engine which increases the time between overhaul (TBO) from 1,500 hours to 2,000 hours. All it entailed was switching out an oil pump plug screw and pressure spring. A metal ball was reused. Following are some pics. New unit on right.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Control Cables Install: Throttle, Parking Brake
Here is a pic of all of the push-pull knob control cables installed. Still have to finish up the choke cable.
Finally, here is the control cable configured to the parking brake assembly...
Next pic shows the control cables behind the instrument panel.
Next pic shows the throttle control cables installed to the throttle lever. Set screws were loctited into the lever to hold the cables.
Here is the throttle cable installed to the throttle lever on the carb.
Fuel System Install: Firewall Forward
The fuel system is complete forward of the firewall. The pics below are sequenced in the order that the fuel flows. The first component installed was the gascolator, which acts as a fuel sediment trap and screen. The fuel flows into the bowl from the top elbow and then out through a screen near the top and out through an elbow on the other side. Note the spring-loaded valve on the bottom. The unit is mounted on the firewall.
The auxiliary electric fuel pump is mounted on cushioned clamps to the engine mount. I'm told it's a diaphragm type pump which offers little restriction to flow when not used. Note the black fuel lines housed within firesleeve. The firesleeve is capable of withstanding direct flame for up to 15 minutes. The fit was snug between fuel line and sleeve, so I clamped both hose/sleeve via single clamp to the hose-barb fittings.
Next component installed was an in-line fuel flow sensor from Dynon. This was installed where a fuel filter would normally go; however, I did not install the filter based on recommendation from Rans that there are issues with it being compromised by ethanol fuel additive. First pic looking down and then up.
Next a connection is made at the rotax supplied line...
...And the that line runs to the mechanical fuel pump. First an overview shot and pump housing closeup...
From here fuel is pumped to the bottom of the banjo junction fitting, mounted on the compensating tube. Following pic also shows return line on top running to the gascolator. A fuel pressure sensor from Dynon was installed where a plug was located in the fitting. Rans indicated their supplied sensor has been shown to be erratic.
Here is view from top, which also show the smaller two lines running left and right to each carb.
The auxiliary electric fuel pump is mounted on cushioned clamps to the engine mount. I'm told it's a diaphragm type pump which offers little restriction to flow when not used. Note the black fuel lines housed within firesleeve. The firesleeve is capable of withstanding direct flame for up to 15 minutes. The fit was snug between fuel line and sleeve, so I clamped both hose/sleeve via single clamp to the hose-barb fittings.
Next component installed was an in-line fuel flow sensor from Dynon. This was installed where a fuel filter would normally go; however, I did not install the filter based on recommendation from Rans that there are issues with it being compromised by ethanol fuel additive. First pic looking down and then up.
Next a connection is made at the rotax supplied line...
...And the that line runs to the mechanical fuel pump. First an overview shot and pump housing closeup...
Here is view from top, which also show the smaller two lines running left and right to each carb.
ADDENDUM: After talking to Rans and spending several days in deliberation, I decided to redo all of the fuel line connections and clamp the fuel lines directly to the hose barb fittings. I then safety wired the fire sleeve to the fuel lines. Here is a pic showing the revised fuel lines in the firewall area.
ADDENDUM 2:
After further investigation and, yes deliberation, I ended up sealing the ends of all of the fuel line firesleeve with RTK high temperature silicone. Ed at Rans had a great tip to use Formula 409 on your fingers. This allowed you to form the silicone without it sticking to your fingers. I've got these lines as fireproof as I'll ever get them now.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Lubrication System: Install Oil Lines
Since I purchased the kit in 2006, the Rotax engine has undergone some modifications which resulted in my needing to acquire updated oil lines. The ones used are pre-made by Rans with fire sleeve and all needed fittings. Here are lines connected to the oil cooler.
Here is a closeup of the 90 degree fitting fastened to the oil pump.
Originally, just a threaded plug was located on the bottom of the oil bottle for oil changes. I decided to install a quick drain valve at this location for ease of oil changes. I zip tied the cabin heat hose away from the valve. Not shown safety wiring to the engine mount.
This pic shows the oil return line to the bottle, which has a banjo bolt connection.
This pic shows the line running from the bottom of the engine to the oil bottle. A very tight fit was encountered. Soapy water helped lubricate the line.
This pic shows the line running from the bottom of the engine to the oil bottle. A very tight fit was encountered. Soapy water helped lubricate the line.
Originally, just a threaded plug was located on the bottom of the oil bottle for oil changes. I decided to install a quick drain valve at this location for ease of oil changes. I zip tied the cabin heat hose away from the valve. Not shown safety wiring to the engine mount.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Carb Heat Install
Beginning with the control cable installation, cable is threaded through two cable housings (conduit). The ends of the cable housings are wired to cable ferrules which bolt to the firewall (shown) and carb heat valves.
The two throttle cables daylight through the firewall and attach to a mixer plate. A control cable and knob ties to the other end of the mixer plate. The cylindrical aluminum piece with side screw is a control cable friction adjustment.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Cabin Heat Install
The air intake for the cabin heat is shown at the front of the engine. The heater hose runs from there over the engine and down to the muffler wrap flange (heat exchanger) fitting.

Here is a view of the cabin heat air diverter valve, heater hose attached to the fire wall, and control cable fastened with two hose clamps to the forward lower horizontal engine mount member. Trying to thread a bolt throught two spring clamps in a confined space by myself took me hours to fasten.
Here is a closeup of the air diverter valve and control cable installed to the muffler wrap. The down position expells the heated air down and pulling the knob out on the instrument panel directs heat up and into the cabin.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Cooling System Install
The cooling system was final installed today. Here is the radiator.
The radiator is attached to the firewall at two locations and from the front with a rod which is clamped to the engine mount.
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