2.1 Crankshaft

[SvingenB]

Does anyone know (for a fact) who makes the Aerovee 2.1 crankshafts, how they are made and what kind of steel is used?

[MichaelFarley56]

The only way you'll get a positive answer is to ask the factory.

[Rynoth]

(Posted in wrong thread)

[Sonex1517]

I am guessing that response may have appeared in the wrong thread...?

[mike20sm]

Has anyone ever X-ray'd their crank to check for internal weaknesses in the metal? Are the gyroscopic forces of the propeller one of the main factors for a crankshaft to break? It seems to me that a car would be much more stressful to an engine than an airplane.

[SvingenB]

The only way you'll get a positive answer is to ask the factory.

I did, and the answer is:

4340 Forged –and- Nitrided Steel.

The crank is made specifically for us by the only major VW racing crankshaft supplier in the world. We do not reveal our specific sources for custom AeroVee parts.

Sonex Aircraft Tech Support

Looks good to me. Now if someone can track down who the only major VW racing crankshaft supplier in the world is.

[MichaelFarley56]

Looks good to me. Now if someone can track down who the only major VW racing crankshaft supplier in the world is.

Just out of curiosity, what's it matter? You know what it is and what it's made of. Who cares what the supplier is?

[SvingenB]

Just out of curiosity, what's it matter? You know what it is and what it's made of. Who cares what the supplier is?

You'r right, who cares about such insignificant things as the supplier. As if there were differences. A supplier is a supplier, steel is steel right? ;) Did you even read the response from Sonex? They care so much they won't even tell us. I find that kind of odd, a bit over the edge care-vise, but that's me.

[Sonex1517]

Not to start a flame war here, but....really?

If I ran an experimental aviation company, and I offered an engine kit, there is no way I would offer up information on how to bypass my company and purchase direct.

It would be easy to say "they have to tell us." But they do not.

I respect your opinion, but offer up the alternative that they are under no obligation whatsoever to supply this information. Why would they?

Personally I am happy to purchase my parts through them to continue to support them. It is in my best interests as a kit builder to see them survive.

As a type club, the last thing the Foundation wants to see the manufacturer go out of business.

As an aviation enthusiast (pronounced "geek") I want them all to survive. Even if I do not build their kit or purchase their product.

Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

[MichaelFarley56]

Did you even read the response from Sonex? They care so much they won't even tell us. I find that kind of odd, a bit over the edge care-vise, but that's me.

I did read the response from Sonex and I agree 100% with what Robbie said. If I was Sonex, I wouldn't tell you either. Sonex is the company that pours a lot of money into engine and airframe R&D to make sure they're selling the best product available. Sonex is also the company that would loose revenue if someone else goes out and starts offering their parts at a reduced cost (not that I think someone could; Sonex prices seem very competitve).

No one is pointing a gun to your head, making you buy and use Sonex products. I, and I think I speak for most others on here, have 100% confidence that Sonex is supplying me with the highest quality parts available, and I'm happy letting them do all the leg work to find these parts! If they don't want to offer me their supplier that's fine; I'm thrilled with them as my supplier!