Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
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1000 Hrs on the Hobbs!
Just broke the 1000 hour mark on my 350i engine! Yes, it still runs, no it is not time for overhaul. Starting to show some signs of aging. It uses a little oil and some degradation of compression. Instead of all cylinders reading 79/80 they now range from 74/80 to 79/80. Only one cylinder with the bigger drop. I suspect it may also be the cause of the increase in oil consumption. I now have to add an ounce or two of oil per hour, I know horrible, especially compared to certified engines that use a quart per flight. Still produces good power. For those who are curious, I would still highly recommend this engine for new builders.
Happy 750 Cruzer pilot:)
Ralph Powell
208 680-2561
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John Austin on
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Congrats - sounds like you have a "happy" engine!
As to the one cylinder with lower compression - which isn't bad at all! - I doubt you would see anything significant but have you borescoped it and compared it to the other cylinders?
BTW, what's the TBO on the 350i?
John
N750A
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Permalink Reply by Ralph Powell on
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John,
The engine appears to be in fine condition. Borescope results are good. Official TBO is 1500 hours or 12 years. Both of which are likely to exceed the TBO of the pilot. Unofficially? No one really knows. I would not be surprised to see the TBO increased as more of these engines gain more time in the field. Will an occasional engine earn a new cylinder or new set of heads? Ask me in a couple of years. The good news is that cost of a complete rebuild of a UL is a quarter or a fifth (or less) of a traditional certified engine. My home airport is 4500 ft msl. That means 15% less horse power than is available compared to a sea level engine. Summer time DA’s routinely exceed 7000 ft. As a result I expect that my engine will be rebuilt sooner than an engine based at sea level. I will not tolerate a “tired” engine at this altitude. This morning I was dragging my wheels in the dirt to get over the local foot hills at 7000 ft. No elk or moose.Ralph
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Permalink Reply by Michael Barrie on
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Hi Ralph,
nice to see some long term feedback on the UL power. Ive been looking at the 260 closely for my 701 build. I see a 208 area code, im just north of the border from you, where in Idaho are you located?
Happy flying,
Mike.
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Located in southeastern Idaho. Big city of Blackfoot. Feel free to call if have questions or are in the neighborhood.
Ralph
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