by Guest » Fri May 21, 2004 9:22 pm
Can't argue against the irritation of not being able to get JPX 425 parts. There is nothing to say this will not happen with F-36s, 185s, or 330s for that matter in the future. You can still buy new 185s. A shortblock is over $1100 US. Re-drive F-36's are nearly $2000 US with all the goodies. JPX 330s are $2400 US.
Fuel consumption will be high on the D330s. As stated From 2-6 liters per/hr roughly .75 to 2.0 gph maybe. Interestingly the fuel consumption apparently gets better ? at higher rpms according to the chart. If I'm reading the chart correctly.
In comparsion and according to the F-36 chart the fuel consumption of the F-36 will actually be high. If you notice the chart reads 2/gph at 5,000 and 2.25/gph at 6,000.
Fuel consumption for Solo 210 seems to closer to 185 consumption rate. Around 1 to 1.2/ gph.
Note: Fuel consumption for 185s using more efficient P-tip props has decreased by small margin.
It is hard to say what the negative effects of the 3-blade F-36 props would be. It is possible that you get a good degree of drag from the three blade props. Probably not enough to be a problem single engine. It would be interesting to know how the plane handles when power is reduced to idle on both engines. Engines at idle or engine off sink rate may be of the rock variety. Hard to say, hard to get any info from those planning to use or using these engines. 3 Lazairs were/are to be equipped with these engine. None flying yet evidently. No info has been shared and no indication that any will be.
Engine outs with 185s are to be expected as with any 2-stroke engine. The usual cause of 185 engine problems that lead to failure are discussed here continually. With proper knowledge, maintenance, and inspection chances for 185 failure can be reduced. I tend to think the 185 engine has always been the Lazairs stong point. The original inefficient bi-prop propellers may be the real "weak" spot if any. All around the 185 can't be beat when ALL things are considered.