Earthstar Forums

Folks,

I'm wondering if it is possible to change engines on an existing Earthstar airframe or must one build the aircraft around a certain engine type? (For instance, can you change out a Rotax to a HKS?)

Skot

In a message dated 2/2/2011 1:25:09 PM Pacific Standard Time,
SWeidemann@aol.com writes:


I'm wondering if it is possible to change engines on an existing Earthstar
airframe or must one build the aircraft around a certain engine type? (For
instance, can you change out a Rotax to a HKS?)

Skot




Hi Skot
Yes, the HKS is retrofittable to the 503. We have done a lot of them. makes
a real nice flying and economical plane.
You will have to add the oil cooler and oil tank but we have the kit for
that for $2,950, that includes all the other stuff you need also like
throttle cables, choke cables, plumbing and fuel pumps and exhaust system. Engine
mount plates and rubber, oil thermostat, air scoop for oil cooler. And so
forth.
If you have an EIS you can send it to Grand Rapids and they can add the oil
temp and pressure for a small fee, and the EGT thermocouples will need to
be up graded to the high temp style.
If you are interested I can get you a deal on the engine and hole package
or we can do the work and flight testing for you.
Happy Flying
Mark

One note from a guy who has done an engine conversion (aircooled Hirth to
water cooled Hirth). If you have the money and don't enjoy a lot of
fiddling with your airplane, then using Mark's kit will be the way to go.
If you do it yourself you have a lot of work ahead. Expect being down for
several months and having an airplane from which engine parts, and parts
holding the engine on, are going to be breaking off the airframe for 50-100
hours after you do the engine install.

You will have to answer questions about things like how much oil cooler do I
need, how do I duct the oil cooler to get good flow, why am I not getting
good airflow through my oll cooler, why did my oil cooler bracket just
break.....so on and so forth.

Now if you like to fiddle...go for it. But don't be surprised how much work
the engine conversion is, especially from a complete aircooled engine to a
oil/air cooled engine.

And then, if you roll your own, the engine configuration may be just enough
different that you can't (or can only with great difficulty) use Mark's
stock engine cowlings, etc.

FYI.

-Alan





_____