Jabiru Engines

[Guest Glenn]

Instead of hijacking Oz's other thread I thought I would create this thread to ask about your thoughts on Jabiru engines.

 

Are they a reliable engine? I hear often about engine failure, but are they any better than any other engine?

 

Thoughts please

 

 

[Guest OzChris]

Glenn, as far as I am aware (and have experienced), Jabiru Engines are VERY reliable. The earlier 1600cc model was not known for its reliability, however, the newer 2200 (with mods) is extremely reliable - I think the main criticism that I am aware of is its advertised TBO is perhaps somewhat exaggerated, not impossible though. Many Jabiru 2200 engines need a top end overhaul at around 500ish hours. But, in general, they really are a great engine!

 

The 3300cc 6 cyl is also a very good engine!

 

Thats not to say that there will be some that experience troubles - maybe the same ones that do not care for their engine properly nor maintain it to schedules and then blame the engine when it goes on them...or gives them trouble.

 

A well cared for and maintained Jabiru engine should give reliable and predictable performance.

 

Jabiru - A GREAT Australian Aviation Company!

 

 

[Guest OzChris]

More about the Jabiru 4 cyl Engine - CLICK HERE

 

 

[Guest ten59]

Hi there,

 

I've recently purchased a jab LSA55 with a 40-hour (jabiru factory) reco engine around 2 1/2 years old. After receiving advice from an experience level2 who maintained 2 jabs for a local flying school, and much research, these will be my maintenance/running criteria:

 

• Oil change every 25 hours
   
   
  
• Oil filter change every 50 hours (I use Puralator "pure one" filter)
   
   
  
• Using BP Ultimate 98 octane mogas with fuel pump ON at all times
   
   
  
• Check tappets & head torque every 50 hours
   
   
  
• Leak-down compression test at 300 hours (or sooner if warranted)
   
   
  
• NEVER let the engine overheat! Monitor the gauges, ensure good ducting/air flow (a) around cylinders and (b) through the oil cooler
   
   
  

 

 

I found it a bit perplexing to read through the list of engine parts that Jabiru didn't replace with new, but I guess I'll have to live with that. A lot of Jabiru engine problems seem to stem from overheating at some point.

 

BTW, I calibrated the oil temperature sender by dipping it in boiling water and checking the gauge reads 100 deg. c.

 

Cheers, Jim.

 

 

[TAA Student Pilot]

One reason for getting hot is mixture on Jabs, everyone seems to brag about 12 or 14 litres an hour but there's not too many brag about burnt valves. Make sure your running rich enough, you can go on all sorts of talk and hearsay but the only thing you can really go on is temps and plug colour.

 

 

[Guest Kris]

Hi guys, can you run a jabiru engine only on av-gas or can you run it on un-leaded as well. Will last longer or not.

 

Kris

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

Kris, you can run the Jab engines on MOGAS but I don't know whether you can then switch back to AVGAS etcetera. I don't know about extending the life of the engine on MOGAS but I am sure some on these forums do.

 

 

[Guest Boneyard Wrangler]

Hey Glenn, why dont you go and ask Phil Gohad out there at Brumby

 

I,m sure he will tell you a lot :rolleyes:

 

 

[Guest OzChris]

Hi guys, can you run a jabiru engine only on av-gas or can you run it on un-leaded as well. Will last longer or not.Kris

Kris, a friend of mine who runs a Jabiru 3300 6 cyl in his Jabi J230 runs it on a 50/50 mix of Premium Unleaded and Avgas - He swears by it.