UltralightNews.com

Ultralight Aircraft, buying a used ultralight aircraft,

how to buy a used NOT abused ultralight!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Approximate replacement costs:

Rotax exhaust Cuyuna Exhaust Rubber exhaust mounts Exhaust springs Rubber exhaust mounts Exhaust mounting kit

$ 850.00 $ 400.00 $ 3.50 (each) $ 6.00 (each) $ 9.50 (each) $ 99.95

Shown with Streamlined exhaust clamps at elbows.

The first type of drive used on ultralights was direct drive. This means that the propeller bolts directly to the crankshaft. Engines that used this type of drive were the JPX, Rotax 9.5, Pioneer Chainsaw, Koenig, Chrysler West Bend, Mac 101, Global and some early model Cuyuna engines. The load exerted by the propeller, on the crankshaft, during changes in aircraft attitude, and speed, are very extreme. This has resulted in reports of crankshaft failure, on most of these engines . If you are considering buying a craft that uses a direct drive system grab the output shaft and see if it will move up and down, an indication of imminent failure. Look at the casings, where the output shaft exits the engine. Hairline cracks seen in this area may also indicate crankshaft failure.

Rotax did come out with a heavier crankshaft, but availability today is another thing.

Modified to work as direct drive engines on Lazair ultralight aircraft.

Used direct drive on Lazair ultralight aircraft.