Viking engine

skydiverlv · #1 07-14-2011, 08:06 AM

It is official now. Sent deposit in for the Viking engine to power my RV12.
Never thought I would deviate from plans and go EAB but now I can also
add the improvements that others have done after certification during my build.
Ordered a Moeler fuel gauge also. Finish kit will soon be delivered soon and when it cools down I can get back to building.
Ron and DonfromTX keep me posted on your progress.

DonFromTX · #2 07-14-2011, 09:31 AM

Congratulations! Glad to have another Viking builder on board!

MacPara · #3 07-14-2011, 10:15 AM

If this works out for you Viking owners, the first 500 hours are practically free flying. I just wondered how many gallons of 100LL $14k could buy at the outrageous (we ain't seen nothing yet) price of $5.80/gallon. Turns out you get around 482 hours of gas at 5 gal/hr. consumption.
Let me know how it goes with this engine, I sure would love to hear that it's performing great.

DonFromTX · #4 07-14-2011, 12:52 PM

Oh come on Torsten, just order one, you know you want it!

MacPara · #5 07-14-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonFromTX

Oh come on Torsten, just order one, you know you want it!

I know, I'm an open book ...

pietermk · #6 07-14-2011, 04:45 PM

Don,

I am way behind you so it is not anytime soon I have order the engine but I am very interested in it. I read up on the Viking engine and it sounds good. So the price difference is $14K?

What about maintenance? I don't have your experience level

Peter

DonFromTX · #7 07-14-2011, 05:05 PM

Experience level? Heck I have not even SEEN one yet. After all, it is an internal combustion engine, they are everywhere!
The bottom line for me was about $13.5 savings, but then you have to buy some wire and tubing, small stuff, so I just call it 13k. If you get ahead of the game, you can save more by not buying the gascolator, fuel pump, engine cowlings, fuel flow gadget, and oil check door from Vans. I have all that for sale if someone wants spares or is going Rotax EAB.

gasman · #8 07-14-2011, 05:31 PM

The 12 is a great platform for this EXP Honda motor. If you need to land of field, you have the slow approach speed built in. And the you just slide off the wings and trailer the plane back to the airport.

I sure hope this motor works out. If so, I might build a 12. Plus, Rotax needs it's expensive sassy little A$$ kicked.

rvbuilder2002 · #9 07-14-2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonFromTX

Experience level? Heck I have not even SEEN one yet. After all, it is an internal combustion engine, they are everywhere!
The bottom line for me was about $13.5 savings, but then you have to buy some wire and tubing, small stuff, so I just call it 13k. If you get ahead of the game, you can save more by not buying the gascolator, fuel pump, engine cowlings, fuel flow gadget, and oil check door from Vans. I have all that for sale if someone wants spares or is going Rotax EAB.

Not meaning to start an engine choice war.... just point out that cost savings is never a sure thing.
There are many RV builders who purchased alternative engines because of the perceived cost savings over a lycoming. All of that cost savings evaporated when because of disappointment in performance or reliability (or both) they later removed the alternative engine to install a lycoming in its place.

I am not against alternative engines and the new advancements that innovation will provide. This industry badly needs some less expensive engines. But, I would recommend people use caution considering the fact that this engine hasn't even flown in an RV-12 yet.

After working in this industry for 18 years, one thing I have learned is, that for every great idea that looked good on paper, and after testing went on to prove it was good, there are just as many ideas that looked good on paper and are now nothing more than a bad memory.

I guess you could refer to me as the guy standing on the sidelines cheering for a victory, but not willing to give someone his own money to find out if it will happen......

DonFromTX · #10 07-14-2011, 09:40 PM

I was not attempting to talk people into the Viking because of its lower cost, I was just answering the question that was asked. I would have chosen the Viking even if the cost were the same.
I suppose there is a need for people to sit on the sidelines and throw rocks at an idea as well as a need for those who want to be part of something that appears to be an alternate to the current use engine that has had its teething problems as well.
I have been a tractor mechanic, an auto mechanic, and an aircraft mechanic, and I am enough of a dreamer to believe that there is a large void in aircraft engine quality, dependability, and durability. Despite the naysayers there are lots of alternative engine powered aircraft out there, most are doing just fine thank you.