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Dave Gambles RV12 up for sale…

….saw Dave’s RV12 up for sale…man his builder blog written in the days before me tube and all the rest really motivated me to keep building. Thanks Dave for your contributions to RV12 community.
You’re welcome! Yes, I have to give it up. Alzheimer’s. It’s fairly early but there is definitely a loss of things I used to know.

I do have a problem that I’m not sure to fix. The last time I tried to fly pre-illness I had a problem with the mag check. On one of the channels I got an RPM drop of 150 rpm. That’s the lowest it can go to pass the manual value. It could be a bad sparkplug, a bad wire, or one of the electronic ignition boxes. I don’t know what to do about it. I’m trying to find a Rotax mechanic but they seem to be pretty scarce. If anyone knows of a mechanic near Columbus Ohio, or someone willing to travel for a price I would be grateful for a referral.

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with. Any help and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. Failing that I’ll knock down the asking price commensurate with the complexity of the fix.
 
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You’re welcome! Yes, I have to give it up. Alzheimer’s. It’s fairly early but there is definitely a loss of things I used to know.

I do have a problem that I’m not sure to fix. The last time I tried to fly pre-illness I had a problem with the mag check. On one of the channels I got an RPM drop of 150 rpm. That’s the lowest it can go to pass the manual value. It could be a bad sparkplug, a bad wire, or one of the electronic ignition boxes. I don’t know what to do about it. I’m trying to find a Rotax mechanic but they seem to be pretty scarce. If anyone knows of a mechanic near Columbus Ohio, or someone willing to travel for a price I would be grateful for a referral.

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with. Any help and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. Failing that I’ll knock down the asking price commensurate with the complexity of the fix.

Contact: [email protected] or 614 216-2290 (texts appreciated)

Can't help with the Rotax problem, Dave, but do want to thank you for all of your contributions to the RV World! "The PapaGolf Chronicles" is on the shelf above me right now - think I've read it twice, so far. Thank you for sharing your adventures with the rest of us! Very best wishes for the future!

Merrill
 
You’re welcome! Yes, I have to give it up. Alzheimer’s. It’s fairly early but there is definitely a loss of things I used to know.

I do have a problem that I’m not sure to fix. The last time I tried to fly pre-illness I had a problem with the mag check. On one of the channels I got an RPM drop of 150 rpm. That’s the lowest it can go to pass the manual value. It could be a bad sparkplug, a bad wire, or one of the electronic ignition boxes. I don’t know what to do about it. I’m trying to find a Rotax mechanic but they seem to be pretty scarce. If anyone knows of a mechanic near Columbus Ohio, or someone willing to travel for a price I would be grateful for a referral.

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with. Any help and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. Failing that I’ll knock down the asking price commensurate with the complexity of the fix.
Sorry about the illness. That just sucks.

On the plane....When were the spark plugs last replaced? I doubt it's an ignition unless you notice some other signs. You might try replacing them all with new and see what that does. 10 pack - buy it 4x and you have a free spark plug change! (no steak knives)

 
Classified listing w/photos for the plane can be seen at:
 
You’re welcome! Yes, I have to give it up. Alzheimer’s. It’s fairly early but there is definitely a loss of things I used to know.
So sorry to hear the sad news, Dave. Like many other RV-12 builders, I have enjoyed your blog and also have your book, "Schmetterling Aviation." Thank you for sharing your stories about building and flying your RV-12.
 
I also want to say I'm sorry to hear your news. Your blog and book were what convinced me I could build an RV-12, and I still go back to it regularly. Thanks for all the entertainment and encouragement, and I hope we cross paths some day.
 
Dave:

Your video blogs and other content have been one of the most enjoyable parts of my RV experience - I hope you take great joy from knowing that you have been an inspiration and a model for so many. I'm so sorry to hear that you are having to give up flying, and will pray for your recovery. I'm sure you will find a buyer willing to troubleshoot or a mechanic who can help you resolve the problem before the sale. God bless you.
 
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Sorry to hear about the news Dave.

My wife got me your book which gave me the confidence and laughs to take on starting to build myself. Thank you for your contributions and blue skies for your journey.
 
I am very sorry to read about your health issue and I wish Dave all the best. The Schmetterling Aviaion blog was THE reference for me for a large portion of my build and it kept the motivation high.

All the best for Dave and I hope your plane will find a great owner.
 
Dave, I solved a similar problem to what you are describing on a friend’s 912 ULS. After checking all the plug wires, new plugs, swapping modules, etc. The cause ended up being that the ground braid / sheathing on the wires coming off the trigger coils on the lower left rear of the engine was touching the exposed connections on the trigger coils.
If I was closer I would come help you get it running.
 
You’re welcome! Yes, I have to give it up. Alzheimer’s. It’s fairly early but there is definitely a loss of things I used to know.

I do have a problem that I’m not sure to fix. The last time I tried to fly pre-illness I had a problem with the mag check. On one of the channels I got an RPM drop of 150 rpm. That’s the lowest it can go to pass the manual value. It could be a bad sparkplug, a bad wire, or one of the electronic ignition boxes. I don’t know what to do about it. I’m trying to find a Rotax mechanic but they seem to be pretty scarce. If anyone knows of a mechanic near Columbus Ohio, or someone willing to travel for a price I would be grateful for a referral.

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with. Any help and/or advice would be greatly appreciated. Failing that I’ll knock down the asking price commensurate with the complexity of the fix.
I am very sorry to hear this. You're a first ballot Hall of Famer in my book
 
Dave, I solved a similar problem to what you are describing on a friend’s 912 ULS. After checking all the plug wires, new plugs, swapping modules, etc. The cause ended up being that the ground braid / sheathing on the wires coming off the trigger coils on the lower left rear of the engine was touching the exposed connections on the trigger coils.
If I was closer I would come help you get it running.

I found the problem. Bad plug.
 
I found the problem. Bad plug.
Classified listing w/photos for the plane can be seen at:
I sold the airplane today. The new owner lives only 18 miles away. That’s a dream come true! The 2nd bidder lives in Utah. That would have been far more complicated.

Thanks to everyone here that has helped me over the decades. And a special shout-out to Doug Reeves. This forum was my secret sauce for building and maintaining my RV-6 and RV-12.
 
I also regularly followed and enjoyed your informative and entertaining writings, Dave. As the others have said, not good news but wishing you all the best for the future. Glad the sale went well.
 
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