after market 503 pistons

[zs wbo]

has any pilot or engine rebuilder had any experience with after market 503 pistons and rings. im sitting with a new set of 010 after market pistons, and after comparing them closely with an original std piston im concerned, 1} they are lighter, 2} the needle roller/spacer width is wider 3} they dont appear to be of as sturdier construction as the std original , im aware that the 503 is also used in snowmobiles and jet skis however i believe those motors are set up for those applications, and if these pistons were meant for those applications im reluctant to fit them in an aircraft engine. could those in the know shed some light on this subject thanks ZS WBO

[Grumpy]

Interesting question. Normally the answer would be simple....... If they are not good then the engine will just stop.
Herein lies the problem, how far it falls when and if it stops in a snowmobile, webike, or trike.
My answer would be, NOTHING but genuine.

[bryan]

Hi Guys
Speak to Duck Rodgers. I have in the past bought aftermarket oversize pistons from him at a very fair price and excellent quality. They have done about a hundred hours and worked very well. He knows a lot and is a genuine guy!
Regards
Bryan Erasmus

[Leprachaun]

I have used aftermarket pistons in various 503 engines , no problem whatsoever , The black inlay (molibdenum ) type pistons make the 503 perform like a 582 , the standard one are equal to the standard Rotax pistons one difference though , less than half the price - these pistons are sold through out the USA and Europe and I have not had any bad vibes whatsoever .The USA laws keep you liable should you sell crap , here with it being a NTC type aircraft , as long as you have traceability no problem , , Your choice
Leprachaun