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First posting.. have enjoyed the forum and videos!

My problem: I have a new RV12 with a 912 ULS (10 hours total time). I experience a significant vibration between 3000-4800 RPM that is minimal/not present outside this range. When running the engine between 3000-4800 RPM, EGT difference (CYL 3 and 4) consistently widens to >120 F. Otherwise it is < 25 F. All engine parameters remain "in the green". Carbs have been synched, and prop blades are within 0.1 degree. Gearbox friction torque is 34 foot pounds. After my last flight, I noticed a very small amount of oil had apparently leaked from the gearbox seals (not sure which one) onto the pitot tube, which runs through the gearbox on an RV12.

Any thoughts on how to sort this out, and next steps would be greatly appreciated!
  • Re: Vibration

    by » 7 years ago


    This still may be a carb sync issue (and maybe not) around those rpms. Since it is new the carb cables and anything attached to the carbs could have settled more. I would double check the carb sync and sync them up around 3300-3500 rpm. If you only did the sync around 2500 they can start to split again. Do the cheap and easy common problem solving first. You might check plug gaps too. It could be a combo of items. They should be between .023 - .027. Many use .025 as a happy median. Don't look for some exotic problem. this should be a simple problem to cure.

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


  • Re: Vibration

    by » 7 years ago


    Thanks Roger, appreciate your thoughts and rapid response!

    Agree this sounds like a problem with air/fuel mixture given change in EGT. Carbs were synched using a CarbMate, and were fine (smiling green face!) from idle through 4000 RPM. Plugs were gaped to .025 inches. Checked cables for binding and could find no evidence this was the problem.

    It's possible I've balanced the carbs incorrectly, but feel this is unlikely. My clues remain: vibration at certain RPMs, EGT spread at the same RPMs, and now a leaking gearbox seal.

    Questions: Besides resynching, any thoughts on where else the problem might lay? Have you seen a gearbox seal leak from out of synch carbs? Could there be a primary gearbox problem or other carb problem.

    Any direction appreciated!

  • Re: Vibration

    by » 7 years ago


    I had a vibration in a constant speed 912 last year.
    Started out as an almost imagionary vibe at idle/warm up and dissapeared soon as rpm increased.
    Over a period of 150 hours it gradualy got worse, to the point where itd only go smooth at near full power.
    I lost alot of sleep and countless hours trying to figure where the vibe was coming from.
    Engine performed flawlessly cept for this increasingly annoying vibe.

    Finaly, i noticed a slight oil weep from the PTO shaft steady bearing seal, and found some movement in the shaft.

    Long story shortened, the face hardening on the PTO shaft where the steady bearing runs was incompleat, and half the circumference of the shaft had worn away..

    Will try to post pics of the eroded shaft.

  • Re: Vibration

    by » 7 years ago


    Double check everything for any air leaks. I would still check the carb sync. It's too quick and easy too do to just disregard it.

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


  • Re: Vibration

    by » 7 years ago


    This is the eroded pto shaft.
    IMG_0113.JPG (You do not have access to download this file.)

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