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912 IS Battery factory install ??

in 912iS Technical Questions 9 years ago
Hi Guys,
I have a factory installed Varta AGM 11AH 160 CCA battery installed.

I am concerned that the 912 IS manual says "minimum" 16AH 350 CCA.

I have seen elsewhere on this forum that low CCA can lead to Sprag clutch wear.

Before I go paranoid and change it....

What do others have a standard in your Aircraft with the IS engine ??

Secondly I am looking at a Aerovoltz...but Rotax says NO lithium unless has internal balancer ??


Thanks

Glenn

  • Re: 912 IS Battery factory install ??

    by » 9 years ago

    Hi Glen,

    The battery can vary some depending on how long the cable runs are. If the battery cable is only 12" to the starter verses 3'-6' then a smaller battery could be used. The engine should turn over instantly and never be hard to crank or have any kickback. Kickback is death on the sprag.

    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell

      
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  • Re: 912 IS Battery factory install ??

    by » 9 years ago

    Regarding lithium batteries - you are quite right in your assessment that the current Aerovoltz product isn't "the sort of lithium battery that ROTAX approves of".

    Right now, there actually are not a lot of small lithium batteries on the market that come equipped with internal cell-balancing and protection circuitry.

    But I expect you will see a lot more choices showing up in the next 12-18 months...
      
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  • Re: 912 IS Battery factory install ??

    by » 9 years ago

    I have a Kitfox SS7 aircraft with Rotax 912iS sport engine. The firewall forward kit came with a 12 cell Aerovoltz battery.
    Due to the increased electrical load required by the iS engine before start, I changed to a 16 cell Aerovolts. It supported the iS electrical start loads nicely. However then came Rotax ASB-912 I-005iS. I then purchased from Kitfox an EarthX ETX=36C
    which has an internal battery management system. It has been giving good performance with excellent start power.
      
    Report

  • Re: 912 IS Battery factory install ??

    by » 9 years ago

    Hi Guys,
    thanks for the input.

    The cables are very short, and it does start well....but.

    I checked today and my G3X touch says 7 amps draw before hitting the starter. Then Battery volts drops down to 8v on startup.I do not know the minimums for the Rockwell Collins ECU but that must be getting close ?


    Probably OK at present as it is summer, and the battery is new.

    However I will source an Earth X as suggested at least then I will be over the minimums recommended by Rotax and comply with the Bulletin.

    Given the cost...and hassle of a Sprag clutch change, I think it is worth it.

    Thanks again

    Glenn
      
    Report

  • Re: 912 IS Battery factory install ??

    by » 9 years ago

    FYI...
    just found the Data sheet. The ECU minimum volts is 9 Volts...so going down to 8V not a good idea !
      
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