NT5224 Posted May 25, 2018 Posted May 25, 2018 Many on here will know that a couple of months ago the Rotec engine on my Murphy Rebel unexpectedly seized in flight over Tiger country and forced me down in a swamp. Im now in the process of getting airworthy again and seek opinions on whether a Lycoming 320 might be a better substitute for reliable bush flying. I realise this will probably push my Rebel out of RAA to VH rego, but ive been flying it well below design MTOW as RAA. Ive got a trustworthy and helpful LAME for the install. Any considerations im missing here? Cheers Alan 1
Downunder Posted May 25, 2018 Posted May 25, 2018 Lots of lightweight parts for Lycoming's around these days. I think you could build one quite light. Rotec specs 100 kg dry for the 2800 so it wasn't too much of a lightweight. http://www.heavy-fuel-engines.com/lycoming-solutions/ http://www.continentalmotors.aero/titan/experimental-kit-engines.aspx X320.... 121 kg X340... 117 to 134 kg Electronic ignitions and fuel injection from SDS for example. http://www.sdsefi.com/lycoming.htm You could also run unleaded (if inclined ) with right configuration...
Thruster88 Posted May 25, 2018 Posted May 25, 2018 The Lyc 0-320 would have to be one of the best aero engines of all time 1
NT5224 Posted May 25, 2018 Author Posted May 25, 2018 100hp isnt enough?..why not a Rotax The Rotec was 115 hp and struggled. 160 hp will be much more suitable to the Rebels size and weight - and enhance its STOL which is really important to us. Also here in The Territory there are a lot more 172s flying than ultralights, and so support and supply should be simpler.
nig71 Posted June 6, 2018 Posted June 6, 2018 How about these Rotax? http://badasspowersports.com/badass-shop/complete-engines/ 1
fly_tornado Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 UL Power make a few engines that weigh less than the O-320 for about the same horsepower, an option if you can afford a new engine http://ulpower.com/en/engines
Downunder Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 http://badasspowersports.com/badass-shop/complete-engines/[/url] Or alot closer to home...... https://m.facebook.com/RotaxPerformance/ Victoria based I believe.... I've actually looked over a few gyro's fitted with these engines. Very impressive engineering and finish.....
NT5224 Posted June 7, 2018 Author Posted June 7, 2018 What was your empty weight with the rotec? My recollection is that it was somewhere not far from 400kg. With two on board (combined weight 150kg) we were limited in how much fuel we could legally carry under RAA. Luckily most of my cross country flights were solo.
Yenn Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 The Lycoming 0-320 is just about the most reliable aero engine ever built. And one hell of a lot of them have been built. I run one in the RV4 and it has never given a moments trouble. 1
winsor68 Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 The poor dude has already been ripped off by one experimental aircraft engine manufacturer... he doesn't need to be an engine test bed pilot again. Come on guys!!! http://badasspowersports.com/badass-shop/complete-engines/[/url] UL Power make a few engines that weigh less than the O-320 for about the same horsepower, an option if you can afford a new enginehttp://ulpower.com/en/engines Or alot closer to home...... https://m.facebook.com/RotaxPerformance/Victoria based I believe.... I've actually looked over a few gyro's fitted with these engines. Very impressive engineering and finish..... 1
Kyle Communications Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 I havent found anything bad about the UL engines. I am considering one for the next aircraft I build...the only issue is the dollars..they are not cheap...much cheaper than the new Rotax though
fly_tornado Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 radial engines are inherently designed to fail. The sound great but they are just a bad idea for an aircraft engine like air cooled two strokes.
poteroo Posted June 9, 2018 Posted June 9, 2018 The Lycoming 0-320 is just about the most reliable aero engine ever built. And one hell of a lot of them have been built.I run one in the RV4 and it has never given a moments trouble Agree. Van Grunsven himself is oft quoted on engine selection for RVs....... the most reliable choice is an 0-320 Lycoming. I know of one RV flying that had it's 0-320 replaced only after 3200TT (on the engine, not airframe). I'm sure they have an autofuel STC available, but over the years, a lot of Cessnas have run their 0-320s on P-ULP 95 or 98 without paperwork. happy days,
fly_tornado Posted June 9, 2018 Posted June 9, 2018 O-320s where a lot more common back in the day, they would all be starting to get long in the tooth and expensive now though
Thruster88 Posted June 9, 2018 Posted June 9, 2018 O-320s where a lot more common back in the day, they would all be starting to get long in the tooth and expensive now though Still plenty of 172, pa28, r22 and even a few beech23 still flying
Downunder Posted June 9, 2018 Posted June 9, 2018 O-320s where a lot more common back in the day, they would all be starting to get long in the tooth and expensive now though See second post.... $24 000 US....new.
NT5224 Posted June 9, 2018 Author Posted June 9, 2018 O-320s where a lot more common back in the day, they would all be starting to get long in the tooth and expensive now though Just to clarify, we have been fortunate to source a near-new 0320 at a very reasonable price, already configured for a Rebel. So finding one isn’t the issue, just whether it’s the right decision. And the consensus here seems to support my own view that the 0320 is strong,reliable and proven motor Thanks for all the wise counsel, and opinions much appreciated Alan
Yenn Posted June 11, 2018 Posted June 11, 2018 It is strong and reliable. I have run mine om Mogas with no problems, engine wise, but it caused a leak in the fuel tank, so avgas only.
Thunda Posted August 10, 2018 Posted August 10, 2018 I run a io-320 D1A in my RV4, love the fuel injection, run it lean of peak @ 2350 rpm best run so far was 28 lph at 8500 ft. Normaly get around 30 litres ph. Running on BP Ultimate 98. There is a Hi-o 320 Lycoming out of time for sale on Gum tree out of a chopper 1500 hrs with a good report. Has a chopper cam but don't see a problem wit dat. Search under Lycoming.
Thruster88 Posted August 10, 2018 Posted August 10, 2018 Hi Allen I'm sure we would all be interested in a pilot report on the lycoming Rebel when you get some hours up. 1
NT5224 Posted August 11, 2018 Author Posted August 11, 2018 Hi AllenI'm sure we would all be interested in a pilot report on the lycoming Rebel when you get some hours up. Absolutely, would love to give feedback. The engine has been ordered through Murphy Aircraft in Canada, but due to various logistical complications delivery is taking longer than expected. Isnt that always the way? Actually the Lycoming (320 -or even 360) is the standard engine for the Rebel and most fly with them. My Rotec Rebel was a distinct oddity, and Im beginning to understand why! Im very excited about the prospect of flying with genuine confidence in my engine.... Alan 1
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