Rotax at 10 years, TBO rebuild time

[John Spartan]

So I’ve been reading about Rotax TBO and have seen a few 2014-2015 birds with 912/914 popping up for sale. Are those engines required rebuild at 10 years for internal seals and such? Or do they just follow “on inspection” guidelines?

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

For the most personally used aircraft, TBO means nothing.

My Rotax has been running since 1998. I did have the seals in the water pump replaced since there was a leak.

 

[John Spartan]

For the most personally used aircraft, TBO means nothing.

My Rotax has been running since 1998. I did have the seals in the water pump replaced since there was a leak.

That’s pretty impressive. What engine and how many hours?

 

[Stewartb]

Lycoming and Continental say overhaul is required at 12 years calendar time regardless of hours. How many private guys do that? None that I know.

 

[John Spartan]

Lycoming and Continental say overhaul is required at 12 years calendar time regardless of hours. How many private guys do that? None that I know.

Considering the number of birds that sit for a decade and only run 10 hours a year I’d say “not enough”? Obviously people flying 200+ hours a year have much happier engines. It is interesting to see what Rotax owners are doing tho.

 

[Stewartb]

Considering the number of birds that sit for a decade and only run 10 hours a year I’d say “not enough”? Obviously people flying 200+ hours a year have much happier engines. It is interesting to see what Rotax owners are doing tho.

That’s urban legend. I know lots and lots of seaplanes that get dry docked outdoors for 7 months every year. No problems. A neighbor inherited a garaged c-150 that sat unpreserved with a low time overhaul for 15 years. The engine inspected perfectly. I see old engines wear out, but not suddenly. So it goes with infrequently used engines. They provide ample warning that they’re tired.

 

[John Spartan]

That’s urban legend. I know lots and lots of seaplanes that get dry docked outdoors for 7 months every year. No problems. A neighbor inherited a garaged c-150 that sat unpreserved with a low time overhaul for 15 years. The engine inspected perfectly. I see old engines wear out, but not suddenly. So it goes with infrequently used engines. They provide ample warning that they’re tired.

Rust and corrosion after sitting is a myth? Interesting

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

What engine and how many hours?

912uls, almost 700 hours.

 

[Dave Palacios]

Lycoming and Continental say overhaul is required at 12 years calendar time regardless of hours. How many private guys do that? None that I know.

I know of a few, with money and want the confidence of a fresh engine, baring "infant mortality rate"