Wings Forum

b1x4nqb · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 199 Location: Orwigsburg, PA

I just checked my engine gearbox S/N as well as the engine S/N and both seem to tell me my engine needs a new gearbox per the mandatory SB. I already replaced the fuel pump when I first received it about 9 months ago. A few other minor bulletins in between. It still sits bolted to the base it came on, down in the basement and I'm having to build a file just for engine Bulletins. I e-mailed Lockwood just for one last chance it somehow didn't effect my engine. I watched their video on removing the gearbox to send it back and it is a major ordeal with special tools required. I'm starting to get cranky with ROTAX!!!

Better luck with you guys.

Paul, PA

Gary H · Joined: 29 Sep 2006 Posts: 78 Location: Othello, WA

My Jabiru is looking better all the time!! :)

scubarider · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 287 Location: Cleveland, GA

Hey Paul, I got to check my numbers as well and probably will need the same. My engine has not been cranked yet. Hopefully tomorrow. We don't have a Rotax Center anywhere around here so you know what that means. Do it yourself---having to buy tools etc. At least with Rotax they have service bulletins and care enough to let us know when there is a problem in the field. :?
Dennis

b1x4nqb · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 199 Location: Orwigsburg, PA

Well my engine does qualify and here is Lockwoods response.

"Go to www.rotax-owner.com. Click on "Support", then go to the bottom left button labeled "Video..." . This is the video which details the repair which needs to be done. If you are comfortable with doing the work yourselves, we can send you the documentation and the replacement parts. If you do not want to do the work yourselt, please fill out the attached claim form and send it in with the gearbox and other listed parts and we will repair it for you free of charge.

Regards,

Tisha"

DaveU · Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Posts: 164

I just removed and boxed up the gearbox for the return to Lockwood for the gear set.

The only way to do this is to remove the gearbox and send it to them. There is too much involved in changing the prop shaft gear.

I built the tool to attach to the slide hammer to pull off the housing. As soon as I am back up and running, I will be happy to loan out the tool. I just had a friend with a plasma cutter cut out the pattern as they have indicated on the tool list, and then went to the local hardware store, found a nut that fit the end of a slide hammer, and welded it on. The tool is not pretty, but worked just fine.

I did not need to find a deepwell socket. A standard depth, 1 5/8" socket worked. I heated the nut with a heat gun a put a long cheater pipe on the ratchet and the nut came right off.

Not a huge deal to take it apart, and that sounds like the hard part.

The gears looked just like new ones, no visible problem. I guess that is good.

Dave

scubarider · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 287 Location: Cleveland, GA

I am one of the lucky ones I guess. I missed the numbers by a few hundred. But, will wait for the next one to come out and I am sure I will be included!
D