Yamma-Fox

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Posts posted by Yamma-Fox

  1. Posted · Edited by MN Kitfox 2

    I'll give actual experience (akflyer) 10 times more validity than engineering estimations , so thanks akflyer for describing your experience with the clutch!  It gives any of us using the clutch fair warning about what can happen... and what to watch for.  That's invaluable info to have!

    :BC:

    But, I did recently run across the designer of the RK400 (actually the original designer, rights of which were later sold to the current RK400 manufacturer)

    Just to get his take on the topic, I emailed him the question below and his answer seems to speak from both engineering estimation and where he has seen the clutch used.

    My question: "Would you have an opinion on it's (RK400) use on this (Yamaha Genesis) motor: Output shaft (PTO) rpm range typically 5500 to 7500, max 8000 and 140 HP"

    His answer:

    The clutch is locked at 2500rpm, and has run on highly modified engines producing over 200hp, and even stock 670cc Rotax make the same hp as your Yammy, but build a lot more torque sooner, so the clutch will last you well over 1000hrs before any wear will even appear, baring any prop strikes, and on mishaps where that has happened, clutch and engine damage is rare.

     

     
    2 people like this

  2. Posted

    Looking nice!

    Pretty soon it'll be you and Steve Henry out there making us all envious! 

  4. Posted

    Akflyer sold more people on lotus floats (with his videos) than the sales department probably ever did!

    Might be the same for Steve Henry with the Yamaha Genesis conversion :)

    1 person likes this

  5. Posted

    Oh, and Teal, did you buy a kitfox earlier this year to convert to and test the Yamaha?

    yes, I did but soon after a purchased the kitfox a Avid came up for sale that needed an engine. So I decided to do the engine install in the Avid. The kitfox does prrtty good with 80hp 912 thats in it so im considering selling the kitfox now and focusing my efforts on the avid

    Sounds like a good choice.  And i will be in AZ all of Jan 2017.  Hope to meet up with you sometime.  Will PM you when it gets closer.

  6. Posted

    Looking good Willis!  What is the rough measurement of your firewall?  It looks like you have a bit more room to work with than my kitfox 5 does.

  7. Posted

    Oh, and Teal, did you buy a kitfox earlier this year to convert to and test the Yamaha?

  8. Posted · Edited by MN Kitfox 2
    Closer inspection of snowmobile

    Brett or Teal,we are just working on the motor mount for the RX1 and just wondering how to get the right angle on the engine since it sits tilted. We are thinking  we need to set  the float bowls level but would like to here from one of you guys before we go too far,

     

    Thanks Willis

    After takimg a closer look at the snowmobile, l noticed that the carbs are set in there at an angle, tilted back approx 15 or 20 degrees ("back" meaning - if your mouth is the carb intake, tilt your head back 15 or 20 deg).  You can kinda see it in the pic of a turboed snowmo below.

    So it might be best to match that angle as a target, but you should have some room to play with (+/- 15 degrees for sure).

    And if you get a chance, PLEASE do start a "build" thread here with lots of pictures of the yamaha install!  So far, all that us fixed wing tractor guys have is a few shots of Steve's Highlander.

    Looking forward to seeing your progress! 

    yamaha-img17.jpg

    1 person likes this

  9. Posted · Edited by MN Kitfox 2

    Thanks so much to both of you guys for all the info you have put up here... and for all the WORK you have done to bring this power option to fruition! 

    I recently picked up both a Kitfox 5 (subaru powered) and a 2005 Yamaha RX-1.  My plan is to ride the yamaha as a snowmobile this winter to gain some familiarity and confidence in the motor, and also to fly the airplane with the e81 in order to asses it's viability. 

    Every post you guys put up, and every example of another successful conversion helps motivate me to make the switch! 

    The info that you post on obstacles that you and others encounter. .. and the solutions that are found to overcome them are equally important because we all know that those are a natural part of the process.

    Confidence is gained when we see these "teething" issues ironed out. 

    And on that note, It would be of great benefit to all if there could be a blog page out there for the Yamaha Aero conversion.  A "one stop" headquarters with links to every outlet of information:  Conversion vendors,  individual's build and flying pages (Steve Henry, marshawk, and others), and threads like this.

    Thanks again!

    Brett

    40447.jpeg

    20161006_133329.jpg

    1 person likes this

  10. Posted · Edited by MN Kitfox 2

    My subaru EA 81powered MK 4 (80hp) is slowly getting put back together. With the weight of the soob it made a good single place plane...

    Hi,

    Thanks all for the help!

     

    IFMT:  at a glance, looks loke mk4 wing area 122 sq ft,  KF 7 (5 should be same?) 132 sq ft.  So a little more capacity. 

    Think I forgot to link the ad to the plane I'm looking at.  Can't see much in the pics, but maybe you soob experts could spot good/bad details? 

    http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_1179189_Kitfox+Model+5.html

     

     

  13. Posted · Edited by MN Kitfox 2

    I had just a few hours on 1220's (KF2 N389HW) when the 532 dropped on 1 cyl while dad was flying it.  Suffice to say, 532/2 is not enough!  He got wet but was ok, floats were his airbag on a flipover in the water.  Insurance company got the soggy but repairable plane and floats.

    Like many others, I was drawn to FL after akflyer's vids in the shallow marsh and on the sea ice.

    Now I'm looking for a KF 5-7 to put 1450 (1650's?) on and plan to use it in the snow and ice.

    Wondering how your all's experience (or observations) have been on the full lotus durablity, especially on moderately rough ice, crusty snow, and in cold temps (plastic bottom - step damage?)

    Can you operate off of wet grass?

    Can it handle (durability) the same? more? less?  than a skiplane?

    Brett

  14. Posted

     

     

    Make a catch tube drain for the bottom of the windshield.  Use a length of about 1/2 inch plastic tubing long enough to reach through the floor on one side and up to and across the bottom front edge of the windshield and back down through the floor on the other side.

    Slit the tubing lengthwise in the center so it can be slid onto the bottom front of the windshield.  Cut V notches in the tubing about every inch or so on the front side of the windshield.  These notches are to collect the rain water running down the windshield.  Route the ends of the tubing through the floor on each side.

    The rain runs down the windshield, into the V notches and down the tubing through the floor to the outside.

     

    tcj.....   

    You didn't work for Boeing / Douglass did you?

    This is the exact " windshield gutter"  we have in the B-717!

    Works great, even though the airbus guys laugh at us... (but then their airplane calls them a "retard.. retard" every time they are in the flare!)

    (...which reminds me of my tailwheel instructor...)

    :lmao:

    2 people like this

  15. Posted

    How much?

    Anything over $20k, it ain't worth it.  Hold out for a 912 and you will have the performance and reliability an aircraft deserves. 

    With a Subaru insurance will either be unattainable or so expensive it would make your Maul look cheap. 

    Good post.  I need a variety of ideas here and my first instinct was as you wrote. 

    This one is about 20k and that is what makes it hard...  could almost try it and see if I like the sub...  re-power to 912 if not.

    Ballpark anyone on firewall fwd 118 hp nsi ready to run?

  17. Posted

    EDMO:

    Great info!

    Thanks a ton!

    I too am a outside the box thinker, and just do not know much about the aircraft version subaru powerplant. Wasn't seeing much constructive on TKF except a reference to come here and ask! 

    Thanks for the help starting to build my knowledge base.

    PM'd you with a couple questions

  18. Posted · Edited by MN Kitfox 2

    Old member.  Had a KF2 on lotus floats.  Went to Maule for a few years.... want my EAB freedom, lotus floats (skis), and folding wings back!

    Found a nearby KFV with a 118hp subaru with a NSI redrive.  It is in annual and has been flown regularly.  500 ttae

    Guys over on kitfox forum are pretty negative on subaru (weight, reliability) and nsi (part availability).

    Tell it to me straight, should I keep shopping?  Am I just setting myself up for a re-power project?

    Would anyone here feel uneasy flying with the subaru keeping them above the terrain (or should i say - uneasier than with a 912!)

    Thanks!