Lycoming vs Continental in a SS 7 ??

[jmodguy]

Brian,
Go with what you know/like/feel comfortable with.
The Rotax is a good engine but has it's own issues, i.e. carb sync, expensive rubber replacement every 5 yrs, expensive ignition modules etc. Some guys have these figured out and do good preventive maint. Some don't.
For what its worth you can equip a Lycoming or Conti with electronic ignition and fuel injection (flyefii.com) and have a lot of the same "benefits" of a Rotax. No mixture, uses automotive spark plugs etc etc. The system cost is similar to buying a couple mags plus gears spacers, spark plugs etc and a carb. Yes its a little more complex than mags but the engine will run smoother and start easier. Also there's no 500 hour mag overhaul requirement (not that many do it), The Rotax built in alternator is limited in capacity and expensive to upgrade. You can add an external alt but be prepared to pay heavy just for the mount.
Are the Lyc/Conti engines heavier than a Rotax? Yup. Easy to work on? yup. Lots of people out there with experience on these engines also.
As for fuel burn, I personally don't care if my KF has a 6 hour endurance because I can't sit for that long.

[southwind32]

Thanks Jeff, and everyone else for your comments. I use to fly 500 hours in 6 months. but the last few years I flew for fun in my Super Cub, I was averaging about 50 hours a year..........I'm 67 and if I fly 5 yours a year for the next 10 years, I'll be well into my 70's...........so probably won't reach that 500 hr mag overhaul LOL.
I like simplicity..........that's another reason I like the Cont. I've worked on a lot of O-200 and although I wouldn't attempt an overhaul, I do feel comfortable on doing a lot of various maintenance on them. I've also have several thousand hours sitting behind them, and not one has ever let me down......literally.
Thanks again, for your input.
Brian

[jmodguy]

Good luck Brian! The O-200 is a solid engine and pretty darn reliable. Nothing wrong with KISS methodology!!

[PapuaPilot]

FYI the 500 hour inspection mentioned on the magnetos is not an overhaul, it is just an inspection. I can do a 500 hour inspection on a set of mags in 2-3 hours. The mechanic opens the mag up and and inspects all of the internals. Personally I don't remove the condenser or coil unless there is a good reason. If nothing is bad with the points, condenser, impulse coupling, etc. then the only parts that are replaced are a cotter pin and the woodruff key (which holds on the drive gear or impulse coupling). This inspection can get expensive if there are problems with the impulse couplings, bearings or rotor; or corrosion/pitting of parts. Sometimes the points/condenser need to be replaced, but that isn't too expensive.

And yes, these engines are very easy to work on.

[jmodguy]

FYI the 500 hour inspection mentioned on the magnetos is not an overhaul, it is just an inspection. I can do a 500 hour inspection on a set of mags in 2-3 hours. The mechanic opens the mag up and and inspects all of the internals. Personally I don't remove the condenser or coil unless there is a good reason. If nothing is bad with the points, condenser, impulse coupling, etc. then the only parts that are replaced are a cotter pin and the woodruff key (which holds on the drive gear or impulse coupling). This inspection can get expensive if there are problems with the impulse couplings, bearings or rotor; or corrosion/pitting of parts. Sometimes the points/condenser need to be replaced, but that isn't too expensive.

And yes, these engines are very easy to work on.

My bad... yes it's an inspection - not overhaul