Comment

Comment by Jan Eggenfellner on May 25, 2014 at 2:42pm

The Viking is still far less expensive than a Rotax, even if you for some reason wanted a new Honda block.  Just add $3,000 and then compare.

Thank you all for the nice writeups

Zenith has the same forum format as Viking: 

VIKING FORUM

Jan 

Comment by Bill Carter on May 25, 2014 at 12:58pm

I Don't have a dog in this fight but this is a great engine!

I spent some time visiting with Jan at his shop before Sun n Fun and I believe that anyone who visits would agree that you could make a much stronger case that these engines would much more easily be considered NEW rather than used. I am making this statement and I don't have a dog in this fight because I don't own one. But, I have spent a lot of time evaluating them for a future project. I have wasted more of Jan's time than anyone probably and he has always explained everything clearly. Yes he has hit a few snags, after all the engine was programmed for automobile use. But, for those who keep up with his website you will see that he has taken the time to update the programming to make it compatible with airplane engines. All I can say is that his engines are outperforming many other production engines. Finally a previously used engine block that is completely re-worked is far from being a used engine.

Again, I must admit, I don't have a dog in this fight yet, but, through all of my research the delivery time is the only complaint that I can say has any credit to it. I have yet to hear any complaints about the engine itself except from people who do not own one. So, they don't have a dog in this fight either. I guess that makes their argument as legitimate as mine so I will end it by saying this "I believe this to be a NEW and exciting Aircraft Engine, and not just another auto-conversion, and if the timing was right I would be Jan's next new

customer!"

Comment by Rusty King on May 7, 2014 at 12:33pm

Mine is installed and running great. I'm expect to have my plane assembled and ready for inspection around the end of June. The core can be replaced with a new one whenever I like for a super cheap cost, when I decide to consider mine run-out. So, that is another cost savings to consider down the road. This engine, at least to me, is a custom boutique crafted engine, rather than an off the shelf one made by a conglomerate. As such, there may be some wait times depending on when you order, but if you plan for this when building, it should work out ok. I know one thing, I love my engine and I wouldn't trade it for jab or a rotax. Blue skies..

Comment by Marvin W Miller on May 3, 2014 at 1:07pm

I'm flying the Viking engine and very impressed with it. I would not agree that, the Viking  is assembled from used parts and is not "new".  Checking with carfax my engine was a 2013 with less than 5,000 miles on it and I think almost all are also. To me that is new. Almost broke in. Most of the newly premade, machined parts around the head & block are totally designed & made by Viking, It is so efficent, I'm burning less than 4 GPH.

The price is right, The product is right, The wait might be longer than we like. But it's worth waiting for. I bet I waited longer for mine than anyone else, don't even ask.   

Comment by Larry Zepp on May 1, 2014 at 8:03pm

Using low time engines that are thoroughly inspected is a great way to help offset the huge cost of custom machined and ground parts that have to be made in low order volume. I have been very impressed with the Viking design and plan to order my engine this summer for my 650B.

Comment by Don Morrisey on May 1, 2014 at 1:14pm

One thing I never realized about the Viking is that it is assembled from used parts and is not "new".  Personally I don't see this as a big deal as there are 1000's of overhauled engines flying...I just didn't realize this and often wondered why the large price difference between Viking and Rotax/Jabiru/UL Power.

Comment by Dale Medendorp on April 28, 2014 at 9:15pm

I'm a slow builder.  I got my Viking engine in Nov. 2012 and ran it for the first time in Nov. 2013.  I didn't run it over the winter but I'm close to running it again now (with prop and cowling).

I didn't have any significant issues with the install.  Factory support is excellent. I recommend getting the HomebuiltHelp DVD for the Viking Aircraft Engine if you haven't already.

Comment by Dan Stanton on April 28, 2014 at 6:37pm

Been flying mine for over 200 hrs. so far. very happy with it.

Comment by Tom Neal on April 28, 2014 at 6:36pm

Hi Bill

I received my engine July 2013 and had it installed and running in 30 days. Been a few updates since then but I have 10.5 hrs on the engine now and am happy with the package. If you want to contact me personally my e-amil is tomandjojo@gmail.com

Tom

Comment by Brad Rawls on April 28, 2014 at 5:59pm

I got my Viking back in Sept. of '13 and have it installed on my 601 XL, but not running yet. I'm still hooking up the Dynon and expect to start it for the first time some time next month.  The installation is a breeze, no issues at all. The quality of the engine and the mount appears to be top rate, and the factory has been perfect in helping me with any questions. In fact, I just got my updated ECU back from Jan in todays mail. They did the update with no charge to me.  I feel like they really stand behind their product and their customers. I could not be happier with my choice to go with Viking. Mine was delivered exactly when promised.  Feel free to email me with any questions that I can answer for you.