O-320 with Rotec TBI?

comfortcat · #1 10-12-2009, 09:49 PM

Greetings!

I'm building an RV-9A with O-320 and I find the Rotec Throttle Body Injector quite interesting. Few moving parts and dead nuts simple.

Anyone using this?

Their web site:

http://www.rotecradialengines.com/TBI/TBI.htm

Dkb

osxuser · #2 10-13-2009, 11:25 PM

Never seen it, but it looks suspiciously like the one that was hanging on the IO-233 light sport mockup at oshkosh last year...

carguy614 · #3 10-14-2009, 05:26 AM

Looking at this option as well. Waiting to see how Pete Howell is getting along with his installation.
It's not fuel injection.
It is a floatless slide carb, and is really very old technology. There have been a few variations of this design used on automobiles and fixed power installations over the years. Motorcycle carbs are sliders with floats, and share the metering system with floatless designs.
The Ellison throttle body is another slide carb, and Aero Vee also has one.
There are a bunch of RV's equipped with the Ellison, and you will find there users quite satisfied with the installations.
I have seen the Aero Vee on a Sonex aircraft, and the owner was very pleased with it.
There seem to be many positive points for it's use. Simple design, no float to stick, less service, lower cost, and it's basic design is well proven with many, many flight hours under it's belt.
Drawbacks seem to be the need for a primer for easier start, as the slide carb has no accelerator pump, and an increased tendency for icing, so a hefty carb heat rig is in order. Cable routing needs a little extra planning. They are also sensitive to specific airbox or plenum installations. As far as I can see, none of those concerns are at all insurmountable for installation in our aircraft. Vans has an airbox for the Ellison installation that I'd be willing to bet would be a head start for the Rotec installation.
Bet your bottom dollar Pete will have it all figured out real soon!!

Regards,
Chris

petehowell · #4 10-15-2009, 11:07 PM

This month has proven to be very busy with work (that is good), but has kept me from the install.

I am working on the annual, need to take a few trips, and then we will try to Git-r-dun.

I'll keep you all posted.

Finley · #5 10-16-2009, 11:43 AM

I'm looking at this option also. My 0-320 has a POSA carb on it now with a 1.5psi regulator. This looks like the Rotec but has some age on it. Has anyone ran a POSA?

Thanks
Finley

rocketbob · #6 10-16-2009, 11:47 AM

I've got two of the TBI 4-5's, and am putting one on my -6, other one is already on my rocket project. Will install it by Thanksgiving, too much flying right now to have the airplane down.

comfortcat · #7 10-16-2009, 02:00 PM

Please let us know how it goes!

I love the simple is better philosophy, but I also follow the "Cessna Safe" model. If Cessna would do it, so will I.

Keeping the engine simple will help get my plane in the air faster.

BUT I am thinking of adding a Turbo Encabulator. The specs sound pretty impressive.

Check out:

http://www.break.com/index/understan...cabulator.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketbob

I've got two of the TBI 4-5's, and am putting one on my -6, other one is already on my rocket project. Will install it by Thanksgiving, too much flying right now to have the airplane down.

RV6_flyer · #8 10-16-2009, 10:07 PM

Here is a new outfit with a few flying aircraft.

http://www.flyefii.com/

Lots of potential.

comfortcat · #9 10-18-2009, 06:35 PM

Thanx Gary!

I remember Robert when I first started thinking about an RV. Pretty impressive guy. (as I remember it, you are pretty impressive too.)

Since I'm about to start on my tanks, maybe I should talk to them about return fuel lines.

Is there any penalty to adding a return fuel line fitting on the tank, but then later not using it?

For now, simple ignition (mags) and a simple fuel system are on my list. But hey! It's not done yet!

Dkb

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV6_flyer

Here is a new outfit with a few flying aircraft.

http://www.flyefii.com/

Lots of potential.

comfortcat · #10 10-18-2009, 06:40 PM

I noticed that AeroVee/AeroConversions has an AeroCarb that is large enough for the O-320 (anyone done this?)

But they call it a carburetor, while Rotec is a Throttle body injector.

In automotive applications, the TBI relies on fuel pressure, and not venturi effect to get air/fuel mixture into the intake manifold.

Is the Rotec truly a throttle body injector? or the same as AeroCarb (what looks like a variable venturi carb.)

Dkb