Rotec Liquid Cooled Heads for Jabiru Engines

[Andy Walker]

http://www.rotecaerosport.com/product-info/lch/

These have been out for a while now, and several sets are flying. For people with Jabiru heat issues, this seems to really fix the problem. The factory tested a Jabiru 3300 with the LCH setup at full throttle for FOUR HOURS and never got CHTs higher than 230F. Rotec even claims lower fuel burn because you can lean more without overheating (take that one with a big grain of salt). It would definitely take the urgency out of taxiing, which also adds safety as you get time to actually catch any problems before you have to takeoff to avoid overheating.

The full system with water, radiator and piping adds about 16lb from reports, which with the standard 178lb 3300 weight puts the engine just shy of the 200lb FWF weight limit for Sonex aircraft. You could probably shave some weight off this by using a smaller radiator, relocating the battery or other items, etc.

You have to e-mail Rotec for pricing, but the price used to be on their website and I believe it was about $3500. Add the radiator and miscellany and call it $4k. You might recoup some of this by selling your old aircooled heads. Anyway, I think this is a great idea, and I'm glad it's out there. I'd love to hear from anybody who has experience (direct or word of mouth from others) on this product.

[N111YX]

Good points, Andy.

For that price and weight, I'll take the Continental 0-200... 8-)

[Andy Walker]

Here's a nice video demo of the Rotec heads, for those who haven't seen it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfftfKg0yvo&feature=related

[Goodflight777]

Has there been any developments on this since the 2011 posts?
Anyone hear anything or have experience with them? Rotec is still in business but I don't see much online reference to the liquid cooled heads.

[fastj22]

I pursued them for a brief period right before 2013 OSH to handle my issues with unbalanced CHTs during Phase 1. Was almost ready to pull the trigger and buy them, then talked to both Sonex and JabUSA at OSH and got some good advice on fixing the problem. After some work, I was able to get them under control and am happy not having the complexity or weight of the LCHs. However, I don't discount they might be a great solution, just not for me right now.
I don't think they have been installed on any Sonex.

[Major36]

Andy and good flight email me at major4567@yahoo.com. I purchased the LCH and have tons of pics.

Steve Stahl
Waiex Jab 3300 1198

[SvingenB]

I don't think they have been installed on any Sonex.

Yes they have. Here is a Jabiru 2200 on a Sonex. It has LCH ftom Rotec and turbo

http://www.rotecaerosport.com/2014/03/k ... biru-2200/

[allycol]

Rotec LCH if you have them or thinking of buying be very very aware very bad design. I bought them 2 years ago done a major overhaul found 2 heads had loose valve guides, the guide hole was to big by 8 thou he tryed to botch it up by nurling them did not work. allso the pushrod tubes leake oil i have never been able to stop leak completely they are a very bad design dont touch them. He said sometimes to save throwing them away we try to fix, yep at the risk of my life I would not buy a nut and bolt off this guy. if you have them remove and get inspected by professional.He says he is a professional engineer if he is he would not do shoddy work on aircraft parts.

[Major4567]

My LCH have been on for about 30 hours now. Head temps stay between 190-200 F. Head bolts have been checked periodically with no movement. I have had no problems with my Liquid cooled heads at all. I thought the workmanship was first rate. Factory support was always prompt, friendly, and informative. No leaks have been detected whether it be coolant or oil. I'm happy so far.

Steve Stahl
Waiex 054YX
Jab 3300

[daleandee]

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