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Franklin engines
With Rotax 912's prices through the roof, have any of you researched or had any experience with the new Franklin 4A-235. It weighs 206lbs empty, fits the O200 mount and makes 125hp at 2800rpm and it's FAA certified and at just $6900. It sounds too good to be true. Their web site is active so some of ya'll building a model 5-7 might be interested. It's www.franklinengines.com Thanks,James Thomas
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Senior Member
Re: Franklin engines
I know the franklins have been around for awhile ,..the Cruisair I was looking at had a franklin ,..it was a 1945 cruisair,..the only guy I know close to me that works on them is in Oklahoma.
Chase
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Re: Franklin engines
Franklin engines are probably solid. Many different engines can be successfully used in the Kitfox, and at less than half the cost, it's worth considering. Rotax is the leader in experimental light sport aircraft. They may be leveraging their market position to command high prices, but that is their perogative because through their hard work, innovation, and reliability, they have succeeded where Franklin, Hirth, VW, HKS, and even the mighty Lycoming have all failed. They are the engine of choice for the majority of the new breed of light aircraft. For an aircraft engine, I say, pay for the peace of mind - stay with the leader. Rotax rules!!!
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Re: Franklin engines
Thanks Skypirate and 76 for responding, I agree 100% that the 912 is a great engine. I have one. But if I were starting over and trying to hold the cost down, I'd be taking a close look at the Franklin. These are not the old Franklins. These are brand new engines. I assume since they are certified that they are well proven. (Check out the price of a certified 912) These are simple engines. Anyone who can work on a Lycoming or a Contintental or a VW should be right at home with a Franklin. I don't plan on pulling my 912 and buying one but it is an interesting looking engine and if someone was considering at an alternitive to a Rotax, I think it looks like a lot better choice than a VW or a Subaru. Also it uses an O200 engine mount so the firewall forward package would be much cheaper. And if Franklin can build a certified 125hp engine and make a profit at $6900 why is an uncertified 912S almost 3 times more expensive? It's just an interesting engine that caught my eye. Thanks, James Thomas
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Re: Franklin engines
So, is anyone flying a Kitfox w/a Franklin in it? Cost is a plus. HP is a plus. What are the negatives?
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Senior Member
Re: Franklin engines
I have only looked into the older franklins because I was interested in the cruisair,..,..from what I learned about the older one's most have said they run good ,..when they are running ,..which is a generic answer because that is the way with all engines,..the problems was/is ,..finding an A&P who has a franklin background to work on them,..I'm wondering if they have a new certification (reworked better design )or if they are riding on the old style certification franklin motors,..and I wonder this only because I haven't heard of any new applications using the franklin
Chase
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