Reliability
in General Tech Discussion
13 years ago
Goodbye Rotax... Sorry to say the Rotax was not a pleasant experience for me. Had my 912S for almost 6 years. First 2-3 years OK. Then problems began. Hard to start mostly. Also difficulty with magnetic plug, 3 voltage regulators, required tubing changes. Consulted with several Rotax 'experts' about starting problem, followed almost all suggestions. Overhauled carbs, new plugs, idle adjustment, bigger battery, battery charging. You name it I tried it. Never installed recommened larger cable between battery & starter though. Couldn't install larger starter due to space constaints. Saved the most expensive item for last, replacing the ignition module. Ask prominent Rotax facility about testing the ignition module. Their reply, No testing apparatus exists. Hard to believe in this age of plug-in devices for automobiles. So for almost $1200 a new ignition module seemed to do the trick. Once I got it started I got rid of it. Last year of ownership I considered the engine totally unreliable. No x-c's for fear of getting stranded. Rotax service spotty at best, and almost noone suggested the problem may be the module. With an aircraft that won't start, mechanics reluctant to leave their home airport to assist left me frustrated to say the least. I know it's probably unfair to compare the Rotax to an automobile engine but when my Saturn and Mercury always start for a total of 17 years, with hardly any service other than oil and spark plug changes, it's easy to say Rotax is lacking in design and reliability. Just look at the myriad of problems reported on this website. An the constant flow of problems found by Rotax that must be fixed ASAP. My flying experience of 65 years in all kinds of aircraft and engines reflects superior reliability except for my 250 hours with the Rotax. For you reading this tale of woe, I wish you a good experience with your engine. Sorry to say, my expectations were not met. I will continue to fly as much as I can, but with a more reliable engine up front. Thanks for your time reading this.
