SI Selection of Operating Fluids

Hi Sean

Good question.  Each regional distributor, currently Rotax has 15 worldwide, was asked to contribute that information to Rotax a long time ago.  I know that the US distributor (North and South Americas) and European ones do this  as you see from the list.   Apparently Rotax never got this from Australia or I am sure it would be there.  They included some pretty obscure ones as can see but if Australian distributor did not transmit that data they would not take a guess. 

As a note, if you have a way to find out the official data, supported with the ASTM or other references, let us know.  We can certainly pass it on to the people at Rotax and have them follow up.  This SI gets updated about once a year.  I would think when they approve the XPS oil for the other 4 strokes we will see a change released.  (currently it is only for the type 916 as it is still in evaluation for the others) 

Cheers

Hello again Sean

I missed one of your questions on the XPS oil, sorry.  The XPS was developed specifically for the type 916.  This was due to concerns over oil temperature when at high boost pressures.  This made it unstable with the AeroShell at those temperatures because the AeroShell is a blended oil base with both synthetic and mineral oils.  It is not as stable in those conditions.  Extensive testing was done on dynos running the oils and they tested its ability to operate with Avgas at the same time.  That was a major concern and this was solved by the type of base used in the oil.  In discussion with the oil engineers (it is made in the USA) they did extensive testing for effects of detonation and lead fouling when using Avgas.  The oil was designed for the high temperatures and pressures of the 916 and its ability to run clean even with Avgas.  All the flight testing at Rotax has been done on OPS and field testing is ongoing to expand its use to include the other engines but we have been told they are not ready to make that statement until that is completed. 

On the coolant I have no idea but we can ask.  That is one brand I have not seen in the Americas so might be a regional one for Australia.  

Cheers

Sean, me again

I have looked up the specs on the coolant Castrol "Radicool"

From what I can see this is an HOAT coolant, (hybrid organic acid technology).  As such it should be just great to use.  I can get the material data sheet from their webpages and will send a note to Rotax for you.  

Cheers

Hi RW,

FYI - I use Castrol Radicool SF (red)

"Castrol Radicool SF  is a long-life coolant based on monoethylene glycol with advanced organic acid inhibitor technology free from amines, nitrites, phosphates, silicates or other inorganic inhibitors. "

Available in premix or concentrate.

I preferer the concentrate, which I mix with  reverse osmosis (RO) purified water, at the recommended 50:50 concentration. Despite the "long-life" claims, I change my coolant every 2.5  years. 

As another advocate for fluids that are actually available in Australia, keen to see them documented as approved for use by Rotax.

Anyone got any commentary on the use of this coolant:

https://penriteoil.com.au/products/blue-oem-coolant-concentrate

Regards,

Byron.