crankshaft hours ???

[Miskiet]

503 DCDI - 566 hrs and still going strong. De-coked at 400 hrs.

[Slow_Poke]

replaced my crank on 325 hrs, old crank still very servicable (? alex),also replaced rotary shaft due to pitting on the threaded side in the water pump housing, replaced pistons - also not necesarry. in my opinion - another 200hrs could have safely be flown without any worries.

[shane]

582 Silver top; 757 hrs crankshaft inspection done about 30 hrs ago and all still in spec

[Andre]

582 blue top, replaced pistons/rings and did crank inspection @ 400 hours by previous owner (don't now why pistons). Now on 604 hours and still going strong
Only planning crank inpection @ 800 hours

[Windsock]

Some interesting views on the topic. I did a search on Google for "crankshaft failures", and was amazed to see the information available on this topic - for example at http://www.packereng.com/Jun01Moore.pdf

Being involved on a daily basis in the field of Non Destructive Testing dealing with the Inspection of components from the Petrochemical, Power Generation and other Industries, I believe that a decision on whether to replace a crankshaft after 300 hours of operation as a guarantee against future failures completely unproven without the support of a proper failure analysis study. I do however support regular inspections, the frequency determined by factors such as temperature fluctuations, cyclic stresses, lubrication, and engine loading – variables that should be included in the failure analysis study to determine the frequency required for inspection or replacement.

A new crankshaft can fail after 1hour of operation due to some manufacturing defect. A crankshaft can also last for many hundreds or even thousands of hours without failure – evident from the hours mentioned in previous postings.

By merely replacing components after some time of operation is no guarantee against failure – frequent and proper inspections to detect “something” before it causes failure and have catastrophic results (not just the crankshaft), now that makes more sense…..

[Leprachaun]

Hi Guys , thanks for the response so far , its a step in the right direction , as I am typing now I have just returned from a meeting with Andre Swanepoel and he is most gratefull for your support , ....
But we need more I see we have 200 plus views so far , so why not 200 responses , maybe tha Aussies can comment as well as The US, UK and the rest of the world , What about you other loals , I need the facts , its in our interest , Keep the replies coming , Leprachaun

[Leprachaun]

Just had a call from "Danie " at Groblersdal , their Aquilla 582 used for training sold on 340 hours had crank replaced as per schedule , now done 600 hours and still going strong
Leprachaun

[TonyV]

582 blue top seven and a half years old. Decoked at 380 hours, engine zero houred (crank replaced) by Trevor Davies at 730 hours. Got cold feet about pushing it any further than that because at my age my possibility of catastrophic failure is pretty high without that happening because of engine failure!
Decoked again at 1030 hours by Trevor. Even though the possibility of my catastrophic failure has increased since the crank was replaced I fervently believe that it would be a complete waste of money to replace the crank again before 1330 hours.
Have used Quicksilver oil exclusively since new and Trevor very impressed with the results.
I am not technically minded but I am told by Trevor and Rob Goudie and Alan Matson who are my AP's that the frequency of use rather than just plain hours on the clock is an important consideration.

[Robin Hood]

My Aquilla 582 silvertop has 362 hours. No hassles so far. Had engine opened and checked, decoked at 280 hours by Solowings. All was still well within spec. I have used TTS till now but only have about 4 litres left. Not sure yet what to change to.

[John Young]

I am told by Trevor and Rob Goudie and Alan Matson who are my AP's that the frequency of use rather than just plain hours on the clock is an important consideration.

100% (especially coastal areas).

My 582 blue top only has 255 hours.

Regards
John ZU-CIB

[Chunky]

Some more scary news......

Dont think you going to buy a 912 and get away with the 1500 or 1800 hour TBO. Rotax has issued a statement that the engine must be overhauled at TBO hours or 5 years !!!!!!!

That means 300 hours per year to get max benifit.

[ICEMAN]

I dont understand why the powers that be are so obsessesed with the crank... hands up how many MPLs have had crank related engine outs vs other reasons......... why can some cranks be considered by their manufacturers as good for 2000hrs and yet others only 300hrs?........ leave the crank alone, chase the common causes of engine outs........

[M]

582 , 280 hours and not a single misfire etc....., checked today with Gideon Niemann (ROTAX amo) at Brits , Approx R28000.00 to redo engine at 300 hours- new 582 approx R52000.00

[Rudix]

Ok, here goes,

618, crank checked at 300 hours and found perfect, now on 410 hours, not planning on replacing till at least 800 hours !

I am aware of a 503 that was checked at 700 hours and found perfect and a 582 that was opened for the first time on 1400 hours ! AND FOUND OK ! These were both in regular, almost daily use though.

I think this whole crank thing is B$, we all agree that crack failure is the least of our worries.

Fly safe,
Rudi

[Leprachaun]

Had a call from Simon , bought a usedAquilla 503 , replaced engine at 300 hours , with a used 582 silvertop =1000 hours had it checked , flew 160 hours over serous bushveld in Limpopo provence sold after a further 160 hours - total 1160 hours still going strong
Leprachaun