Do fuel pumps have to be replaced every 5 years?

Rotax can’t mandate any service items, but it can recommendir replacement via SBs, just as SLSA and ELSA manufacturers can by their SBs. In the experimental world, it is up to the owner to follow the SBs or not. Rotax has gone through three different suppliers of fuel pumps, and the latest has had the best track record. If yours are 10+ years old, they are probably the older styles and should be replaced.

I have the third gen/current gen that came out in 2013. Lucky I guess because my engine was manufactured at the end of 2013. 

I guess analytically speaking it would be illogical to spend the money to replace both of my fuel pumps until one of them has any kind of problem. Because I fly on one fuel pump, and I have two in the plane. So the second fuel pump only ever gets used during run-up for a few seconds to verify function. So if my first fuel pump ever failed, I would just switch to the second fuel pump. The chances of them both failing the same day would be astronomical. So do ya'll agree, since I have redundancy, don't replace until the #1 fuel pump I use on every flight starts to show signs of death? Then at that point and time, replace both with new? 

This forum is for the injected engines.  The mechanical fuel pumps are called out for replacement every 5 years on the carb models (maintenance manual line) but not the dual electric on the injected.  There is no time limit listed on the injected with the exception of the in the overhaul information given to the authorised overhaul Rotax facilities.  In their information it calls out at TBO they must be replaced.  

Rotax has stated they will release data on time limits for the pumps but it has not yet.  It will be both a calendar time or hours of operation, whichever comes first.  This should be released in the next few months. 

If you are one to operate on only one pump then how you would track your time might be an issue.  This however is ot really a problem if you are experimental in that you can pretty much run with what is suitable for your aircraft.  Aircraft used in certified, when used for hire, would be subject to those call outs.  

I would like to note to all the owners/operators who want to save money and not follow the timelines from Rotax, your decision may well be fine under the FAA legal interpretation.  I suggest you also consider that in  civil court ignoring a manufacturer's recommendations, a mandatory SB or example, puts you in a very bad light.  Remember that that decision may save you money but is not based on best practice,  Just my opinion and you can differ is you like. 

Cheers

Rotax Wizard is correct (Above post) 

Hi All

Just a note, while they do not specifically call out pumps in the Line manual they do call out the pressure regulator on all the injected engines to have the internal regulator within the housing replaced at 5 years.  The reason for this is the diaphragm can become weak or even start to fail after that time.  There is only 1 regulator so it is felt that it is a more critical part and requires replacement based on time, not hours.  Regardless of hours it is to be changed as it is subject to deterioration due to fuel types and environment.

Cheers