europa-list
[Top] [All Lists]

RE: Europa-List: Oil Level

Subject: RE: Europa-List: Oil Level
From: Peter Davis <peterdavis@ntlworld.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2003 18:13:47

Hi Carl,

Nice to know I am not unique with this! I don't seem to have much luck with
turning the prop by hand to get the oil back into the tank. The pump seems
to out pace the crank case pressure at that speed (give me a scavenge pump
any day).

Agree with you about running the engine for short bursts - doesn't do the
thing any good and if I am unable to go flying for over a week (like in this
recent weather - Vis was zero in Oxfordshire) I find a nice quiet corner of
the 'field and run it up for 30 minutes or so to get the 'T's nice and high.
Now someone will tell me that this isn't good for the engine either :-(

The oil I am using Motul 5100 - one from the list recommended by Rotax. This
is semi-synthetic with a gear additive and being semi allows me to use Avgas
to top up when away from home.

I'll give you a ring during the w/e.

Regards,

Peter

mailto:peterdavis@ntlworld.com

This message has been scanned by Norton Internet Security for all known
viruses.

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Carl & Dot
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Oil Level


H  Peter,

Since my first flight (and especially since new dipstick) I have had the
same concerns.

I understand though that this is perfectly normal. If you look hard enough,
the Rotax manuals suggest running the engine for 1 minute before checking
the oil level. Personally I feel this practice will increase engine wear
(and starter motor).

My solution is to manually rotate the prop blades (in the correct direction)
for about three full turns until you hear air benig blown back into the oil
tank. Its a bit of a pain but good exercise ! (just be aware of the prop
tips - they have cut me several times).

Needless to say make sure the mags are well and truly off before attempting
this.

Another option is to turn the engine using the starter, but if you have a
proper starter switch you wont be able to do this without activating the
magnetos.

Safe flying,

Carl

PS If you want a chat, my number is 01296 738129 (just in case you have lost
it)

PPS What oil are you using (I have changed to Castrol RS Superbike since my
oil temp rose to 135 last week in the hot weather- guess I will need to move
the oil cooler from behind the radiators)


----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Davis" <peterdavis@ntlworld.com>
Subject: Europa-List: Oil Level


>
> Hi,
>
> Just thought it was time I asked the question.
>
> Since completing my 'plane (first flight Aug. 1999) I have experienced oil
> siphoning out of the tank into (presumably) the crank case if it is left
> unused for a number of days. I used to recon on two weeks for the level on
> the dipstick to go from full to less than half way down the 'flat' on the
> stick, but with the advent of the new improved dipstick - which requires
> more oil in the tank and has a shorter 'flat' - this seems to be more like
a
> week.
>
> The system is a 'Classic' airframe with the 80hp 912 and oil tank on the
> port side as instructed. The tank is set at the correct height according
to
> the manual - in fact there is no possibility of it being anywhere else due
> to the exhaust stubs, cowlings, firewall, etc.
>
> This doesn't cause me too much of a problem - I just have to ensure I go
> flying at least once a week :-) but am curious as to whether anyone else
has
> come across this.
>
> Regards,
>
> Peter
>
> mailto:peterdavis@ntlworld.com
>
> This message has been scanned by Norton Internet Security for all known
> viruses.
>
>




<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>