Purchase Kit Plane with 912ULS

Customer Asks:

Hi all, I'm looking at purchasing a kit plane that already has a 912ULS. The 912 was purchased new but the engine has been sitting for ~12 years waiting for the kit to be finished. Would there be any costly SBs or other items that could be an issue? I assume new hoses and carb rebuilt kits will be needed (probably has old floats). Is there an easy way to inspect the crank and/or Cam (with a bore scope)?

SN: 6775264

Thanks: Jeff Damphier

Answer:

• SN: 6775264
• Engine Type: ROTAX 912 ULS2
• Manufacturing Date: 13.07.2009
• TBO 1500hrs

Configuration:

• with fuel lines
• UL2 I=2,43 with clutch
• without vacuum pump
• with green valve covers
• without mech. tachom. pick up
• without external generator
• without air guide baffle
• with std. temperatur sensors
• with screw connection UNF
• with expansion tank
• without air box
• without engine truss
• starter large

Bulletins and documents:

ASB, SB, SL, SI based on the engine S/N

• ASB-912-069ULR1 / ASB-914-051ULR1 ASB-2ST-003R1 - Exchange of floats on ROTAX® Engine Type 912, 914 and 2-stroke (Series) Note: Make sure the floats have an R stamped into the side. All other floats are affected by the ASB

• SB-912-079 R2- Essential information regarding engine installation, operation, and maintenance for ROTAX® 912 (Series) Aircraft Engines

• SB-912-063UL R2 - Replacement of fuel pumps for ROTAX® Engine Type 912 (Series)

• SB-912-041-UL - Extension of Time Between Overhaul (TBO) for ROTAX engine type 912 and 914 (Series)

• SL-916 i-019 / SL-915 i-020 SL-912 i-023 / SL-912-031 SL-914-029 - Evaluation / measurement of exhaust back pressure for ROTAX® Aircraft Engines

• SL-916 i-003R2 / SL-915 i-003R3 SL-912 i-011R3 / SL-912-022R3 SL-914-020R3 / SL-2ST-014R3 - Information about storage and storage conditions of ROTAX® genuine spare parts for ROTAX® Aircraft Engines

• SL-912 i-005R2 / SL-915 i-011 SL-916 i-009 / SL-912-014R6 SL-914-012R6 / SL-2ST-008R6 - Non-approved modifications or use of ROTAX® unapproved engine components or accessories for ROTAX® Aircraft Engines

• SL-916 i-008 / SL-915 i-010 SL-912 i-016 / SL-912-025 SL-914-023 - Use of exhaust insulation materials for ROTAX® Engine Type 916 i (Series), 915 i (Series), 912 i (Series), 912 and 914 (Series)

• SI-912-016 Selection of suitable operating fluids for all ROTAX® 4-stroke Aircraft Engines

• SI-912-039 - Information about installation and maintenance of the fuel distribution block for ROTAX® 912 (Series) Aircraft Engines

• SI-912-027 Introduction of new spark plug part no. 297656 and spark plug connector part no. 265249 for ROTAX Engine Type 912 i, 912 and 914 (Series)

• SI-912-034 - Propeller mass moment of inertia for ROTAX Engine Type 916 i (Series), 915 i (Series), 912 i (Series), 912/914 (Series) and 2 Stroke Aircraft Engines

• SI-912-018 Purging of lubrication system for ROTAX Engine Type 916 i (Series), 915 i (Series), 912 i (Series), 912 and 914 (Series)

• SI-912-028 Advanced Start System for ROTAX® Engine Type 912 Series

We have included all of the above in the provided links; however, be sure to review all applicable Rotax documentation for additional information.

One document set that is particularly relevant to your situation is the following Service Letter - SL-916 i-003R2 / SL-915 i-003R3 SL-912 i-011R3 / SL-912-022R3 SL-914-020R3 / SL-2ST-014R3  - Information about storage and storage conditions of ROTAX® genuine spare parts for ROTAX® Aircraft Engines

The engine’s condition will largely depend on how it was stored, for example, whether it was sealed in the blue plastic bag or not, and the type of environment it has been in (indoors, outdoors, coastal, desert, etc.). All these factors make a significant difference.

We recommend performing a borescope inspection of the cylinders to check for any signs of corrosion. The crankshaft cannot be inspected without removing a cylinder, so you may want to consider that as well. The exterior condition of the engine will also provide clues to its internal state , for example, if there is visible corrosion on the propeller shaft, crankcase, or external bolts and nuts, there is a high probability that corrosion exists internally too.

Since the Rotax factory test-runs these engines, it is also very likely that the carburetor float bowls will be gummed up with contamination from old fuel. All rubber components should be replaced, including the fuel pump, carburetor sockets, carburetor diaphragms, gaskets, oil hoses, fuel lines, and coolant lines.

We strongly recommend sending the engine to a reputable Rotax service center or repair station for a pre-buy inspection before proceeding. It is essential to have someone who is an absolute expert on these engines perform the work, as a regular A&P mechanic may not know exactly what to look for.