Jab Engines - the good and the bad?

[cross_wind]

Not to start a storm in a tea cup, but I was wondering if any of the pilots out there flying Jab engines are experiencing reliability or maintenance problems with their engines. I was planning on installing a 3300 in my CH750, but have been advised against it (by a few people and AMO's) due to reliability problems with the Jab engine. I also believe the European guys are having a lot of come backs on the 3300's. This is a HUGE concern to me as the Jab engine isn't cheap - for the same price I can go for the Rotax or Lycoming equivalent. So where does that leave the Builder/Sport Pilot? I had a look at the Revmaster (thanks Phil for the tip), and it does look good, but the 750 has a MTOW of over 600kg. Add to that the density altitude up here and I would prefer having over 100 hp making noise up front.

[justin.schoeman]

I haven't owned one, but I have 120 hours behind other people's Jabis, and I would not hesitate about flying behind another. If they are maintained well, and set up exactly according to the Jabiru installation manual, then they are very reliable.

They are also substantially cheaper than Rotax to by and maintain.

[Mc Guyver]

http://www.recreationalflying.net/showt ... 6-Jab-down

[cross_wind]

http://www.recreationalflying.net/showt ... 6-Jab-down

mmmm - hope the pilot is ok.

[Dobbs]

I have minimal time on a Jab powered powered plane, but know enough people who own and fly them and my understanding is that they are no more or less reliable than a Rotax / Lycoming etc.

I also know of a Jab owner whose plane has had two forced landings and one incident, and it was fuel starvation, read tanks full of air, prop departed aircraft and pilot aborted takeoff and put the aircraft down hard damaging the undercarriage, and none of the above involved an engine related problem.

There are many of the I heard from his best friend who knows someone ......... stories

Has this AMO got personal experience with poor reliability Jab engines.

If the engine is being used for the purpose for which it was designed, and being cared for as per the owners manual, you can't go wrong with a Jab or any other equivalent engine.

[Dish]

In the words of the well known and highly respected Kevin Hopper "fuel it, cool it and lube it, and it will run forever" - havent heard a bad word about a jabi' engine, know first had of 2 engine outs both fuel related, one resulted in a LOB and the other, simply restarted and carried on flying... (cautiously of course)...

[KFA]

600 training hours on our school one.No hassels. 2200 85hp engine. Needless to say, my next explorer will have a Jabi in again. Reliable, cheap to maintain and good value for money.

[John Boucher]

I AM going to put a Jab 3300 up front in the Cheetah one day... there are engines that are not up to scratch and none of them have been mentioned here.

Most comments iro of maintaining an engine holds true - if you look after it, it'll look after you!

I personally think the Jab engine is a by far cheaper and less complex engine to maintain. If you get the cooling, fuelling & oiling right... then what's left?

[JuanMarais]

Will there be a big different between the Jab 2200 and the Rotax 912ULS in the Explorer? Im talking like is it worth spending the extra money for the little bit more power?

[cross_wind]

Don't think you can make that comparison. Jabiru 3300 and Rotax 912S sure.

[JuanMarais]

Ja ok, if you look at the bigger ones. What does the Jab 2200 compare to against Rotax. Im quite new to this field and just bought an Explorer kit. Still not sure what engine to fit...

[John Boucher]

I think a Jab 3300 is way cheaper than a complete packaged Rotax 912ULS....

[cross_wind]

Ja ok, if you look at the bigger ones. What does the Jab 2200 compare to against Rotax. Im quite new to this field and just bought an Explorer kit. Still not sure what engine to fit...

I am having the same problem.

[JvTonder]

Ja ok, if you look at the bigger ones. What does the Jab 2200 compare to against Rotax. Im quite new to this field and just bought an Explorer kit. Still not sure what engine to fit...

I have a BushBaby with Rotax 912 and it flies great but have flown with Stefan in the factory Explorer with the Jab 2200, also great! I say buy what you can afford!

[cross_wind]

The real issue here is the Jab isn't a cheap option anymore. Last quote I got for a 3300 was R 138,000. Pretty close to a 912.