automobile engines for the RV-10

[rv6ejguy]

Originally Posted by Avenger V

Look at today's post on RV12 site. Mandatory service bulletin for Rotax engine. This is just one of many you don't see published. How about the cooling line chafing on engine mount posted yesterday. One of the many hoses you don't have with the Honda Viking . There is something about flying behind the little, light weight Honda-Viking engine that makes me feel safe. Millions of the engines throughout the world verses thousands of Rotax. Ron Russ
N97HV RV12 flying and love it.


OTOH, like others have said, if you are truly a gearhead who likes to experiment and baby sit the engine, gearbox, electronics, and it's not just about saving $$ then go for it!

The Honda L15A engine is very robust and well proven however nothing is perfect:

"Honda has announced that the company is recalling around 700,000 vehicles globally for faulty lost motion springs in the valve train. The springs may fatigue and break over time, causing the engine to stall as a result. The recall covers certain 2009-2010 Fit, Freed and City models, and so far the company has received a total of 72 complaints of the issue in Japan and 29 complaints from elsewhere in the world."

I guess 100 out of 700,000 is pretty good though! I worry more about the changes made to this engine for aviation use like gearbox, EFI system, intake manifold etc. The engine itself probably has a billion hours on it. The "other parts" probably less than 1000 collectively. Only time will tell how well this package works in the long term but I'm glad some people have signed up to try it. Could prove to be the way to go in a few years.

[TSwezey]

I would plan for 13 gph at 170 knots. But mine was 13 gallons of cheap car fuel versus av gas. But I do have to laugh. We were conservative in our original design with abundant cooling. This does create excessive drag which in turn increases fuel consumption. Yes I would burn a little more. Some called it a failure because the first LS engine ever to be flown on an RV-10 had more fuel consumption than one with an Lyco. The first time one was ever put on, the first set-up, the first time my partner and I ever built a plane and it doesn't beat the original designers engine choice. How shocking! But the first LS smoked the Lycos in cost per hour to run. Here is the log of my last flight with a really no wind. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N...N/3J1/tracklog. I think it pretty much hit Van's design numbers. And don't worry the next one will blow the lyco's away.

[N941WR]

Originally Posted by TSwezey

My plane weight is fat!!!!!!!
Well over anything out there and I can't blame it all on the engine! The c.g. is within an inch of Tim Olson's c.g. It is an unbelievable 2053 lbs.! At least I won't have a super forward c.g. issue but I really ended building a high powered Tiger.

The high empty weight of most auto conversions can be a major issue, as noted by Todd. While it may have been a tiger, it was a two seat tiger.

Here is a good thread on Todd's RV-10, all 30 pages of it. Very good reading.

[johngoodman]

Originally Posted by pierre smith

...there's another at Peachtree City, in Georgia. Last time I saw that one, it had not yet flown.

Pierre,
I currently have 52 hours on it.
John
PS: Thanks for all the support....

[TSwezey]

John it's great to hear that you are flying!

[pierre smith]

Originally Posted by TSwezey

..... And don't worry the next one will blow the lyco's away.

I'll take that challenge and put up $1,000! You better be able to top 217 MPH like I did at YOUR airport, during the Race-to-Ridgeland.

Best,

[pierre smith]

Originally Posted by johngoodman

Pierre,
I currently have 52 hours on it.
John
PS: Thanks for all the support....

John, how 'bout do all of us a favor and put up some pictures of the beautiful airbrush artwork on your -10?

You guys won't believe the scenery on his airplane!!

Best,

[sailvi767]

One thing to consider about service bulletins on certified motors. They are a huge safety net. Would you get a service bulletin at all on a conversion engine?

George

[Geico266]

Hourly operating costs is minor compared to the hit on resale RV'swith auto engines take. Total cost of operation needs to be taken into account.

Experiment all you want, I am right there wih you. Just don't lead prospective builders to believe it is cheaper, it is not.

[CNEJR]

Originally Posted by Geico266

Hourly operating costs is minor compared to the of resale RV with auto engines take. Total cost of operation needs o be taken into account.

Experiment all you want, I am right there wih you. Just don't lead prospective builders to believe it is cheaper, it is not.

Absolutely nothing could be more True than the above. If you want to ruin your dream, put an auto conversion on your RV.