First Start

First Start

Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2022 4:23 am

by Skippydiesel

Exciting moment - I started my brand new Rotax 912 ULS for the first time yesterday.

Everything went very well:

Ambient 14C
Engine fired immediately & ran smoothly. Engine speed increased as it warmed up.
Idling too fast, 2300 rpm - easy fix.
EGT’s almost equal - this should come good with pneumatic carburettor balance.
Good oil & fuel pressure
Took engine to oil temp 57C & coolant 60C
Charge 12.6V 2 amps

Post engine inspection reveled a small fuel leak, from the connection to a fuel flow sensor - refitted with gas grade thread tape - fixed!

Will do a rough idle speed adjust down & check hydraulic lifters are all fully “primed” with appropriate clearance as per Rotax “purge” instructions.

Next start, will be with cowling fitted and once warmed, will fine tune the idle & do the pneumatic balance.

The excitement is almost too much to bear.


Re: First Start

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 12:36 pm

by xeriotti

Show us that baby!!! :slight_smile:


Re: First Start

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 7:24 pm

by daleandee

Skippydiesel wrote:Exciting moment - I started my brand new Rotax 912 ULS for the first time yesterday.

Post engine inspection reveled a small fuel leak, from the connection to a fuel flow sensor - refitted with gas grade thread tape - fixed!

Good deal on the first start! Great engine and very reliable.

BTW … I’m not a fan of using any kind of tape (especially Teflon) on fuel fittings as pieces can be torn loose and get into the fuel system. A small piece can clog an orifice and cause problems. Silicone sealer on fuel lines is also a horrible idea.

Permatex makes Aviation sealant especially for fuel line fittings.


Re: First Start

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 10:10 pm

by Bryan Cotton

I used ez-turn per Joe Norris’ recommendation. I think the Aerovee manual also calls out teflon paste. I also avoid teflon tape except for house plumbing and shop air.


Re: First Start

Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2022 10:36 am

by 13brv3

Congrats on the first run! It sounds like it was as successful as you could ever hope for. The flying Rotax thread has been pretty lonely recently :slight_smile:

Rusty (912UL Onex)


Re: First Start

Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2022 7:25 pm

by Skippydiesel

13brv3 wrote:Congrats on the first run! It sounds like it was as successful as you could ever hope for. The flying Rotax thread has been pretty lonely recently :slight_smile:

Rusty (912UL Onex)

Hope to add to the “flying Rotax thread” within the next few weeks. Aircraft essentially complete - just trying to get coolant temperatures under control.