Originally Posted by
kitfox2009
Good evening folks. Hope everyone is staying away from each other and spending time in the Hanger or better yet,in the Air.
I just wanted to update my recent experience with a few modifications on my 24 year old 912 UL with close to 900 fairly trouble free hours. Over the past couple of years I have found when the hanger temp gets close to freezing the CDI modules do NOT provide enough juice to start the engine. My cure for this was to zip tie a "automotive battery blanket" over the modules and leave it plugged in all the time. About 50 watts power consumption.
I got concerned that if these CDI`s should fail in flight over our inhospitable terrain the outcome may not be good and started looking for alternatives to the 900USD (each) from Rotax dealers. I found a supplier in France who makes up CDI`s that come with enough cable to mount them remotely from the engine. Just last week I installed these in my Vixen. There is enough cable supplied to mount them on the cockpit side of the firewall! I have only used them a few hours,but so far it starts better than ever. Hopefully I won`t get a chance to try the COLD start for quite a few months!
I am not sure if I am allowed the state the company name in this forum. The price is about 50% lower than original equipment. I could PM it if anyone is interested.
The other modification was increasing the size of the balance tube. I have around 100 hours on this change and I believe the engine runs smoother through all RPM ranges. It is a 912UL with a 72 inch IFA IVO prop. Purchased on this forum to replace a 70 inch "high pitch" IVO I have used for the past 10 years or so.
Appreciate anyone`s questions or comments.
Cheers
Don