Rotax 618 reliability

[PMarshall]

Every now and then a Rotax 618 pops up. Does anybody know anything about its reliability, fuel consumption and performance? Why was it discontinued?

[Aerosan]

Hi all
Good question I would like to know myself as I have a 618 in my Koala but have logged only 2.5 hours or so on the engine. Consumption looks OK though I havent worked it out yet but it looks to be on par with 582..

Maybe someone else could elaborate?

Keep it straight and level
San

[Chainsaw]

Hi all
I have a 618 on my Mainair Blade, very happy with it.
Lots of power, 8hp more than 582.
I believe it was discontinued because of the 912.
The 912 was developed at great expense and now they have to recoupe
all those costs by selling them. Rotax won't shoot themselves
in the foot by continueing to produce the 618 for Microlights ,
as it would reduce sales of the 912 and they won't recover those development costs.
The 618 is also found in the jet skis, maybe another model name
and therefore those development cost are long gone paid for.
Hope this helps
Chainsaw