Semi Engine out on Rotax 503 Windlass.

[Leprachaun]

Just a quick one , nearly had an oopsie today due to a float crumbling (deteriorating )
I have just flown 5 hours with this old Windlass and it seems as if the one float in the carb is showing signs of serious erosion .
The black outer plastic seems to be crumbling and a little piece of black plastic got stuck in the main jet .
Just check your float to ensure this that this is not a common problem.
The carbs have been dry for possibly three years , so it may be old age , but I will replace asap
Leprachaun

[Graham Mac]

Just a quick one , nearly had an oopsie today due to a float crumbling (deteriorating )
I have just flown 5 hours with this old Windlass and it seems as if the one float in the carb is showing signs of serious erosion .
The black outer plastic seems to be crumbling and a little piece of black plastic got stuck in the main jet .
Just check your float to ensure this that this is not a common problem.
The carbs have been dry for possibly three years , so it may be old age , but I will replace asap
Leprachaun

Thanks Leprachaun
Usefull advise.
Specially for those older Rotaxes that change the shortblock but carbs ect are reused/bolted back on.

[extra300s]

Tell us more. What was done before you flew it? Opened the motor up, or just clean and replace fuel lines? Interested to know what one has to do with 503 motor after it stood so long

[Leprachaun]

Hi folks , found the exact problem. The floats have a guide sleeve in which there is a brass tube. with age this tube and the floats tend to age as well and the float material , black plastic tends to go brittle with the result that the little black plastic bit end up in the main jet and the pilot and pax have huge eyes ????
The floats are old like my wifes mother , so the answer is simple change em both , or should i say change all 3 ( ma in law included )
Fly safely Leprachaun
Ps now flying at Still Bay

[vernon11]

The floats are old like my wifes mother , so the answer is simple change em both , or should i say change all 3 ( ma in law included )

Now Alex. That is Nasty.
Vernon.
PS. Have a great festive season.

[Leprachaun]

Hi Vernon , no nastyness , just plain truth , like the mexican asking about the horse flies that fly around his face, his buddy tells him the story that they are flies that fly around the behind of a harse , the Mexican then recons to his buddy " do you think my face looks like the behind of a horse ", the reply is as follows <" I dont think so , but you cant fool em horse flies - May you and the family have a great time Alex