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SECTION 8
Aircraft Operating Instructions Edge XT912
HANDLING & MAINTENANCE
January 2014
Issue 2.4
Page 104
8.6.1
Lubricating Oil
The 912 UL engine has an external sump, and the entire system is standard to the Rotax 912 engine.
The oil specification is given in the Rotax Operators Manual, Section 10.2.3, Lubricants. In general use
only synthetic or semi synthetic oil, API classification “SF” or “SG” or later oils. Multigrade is
recommended. These oil types are detergent types. Consult the Rotax manual and Rotax service
instruction 18 UL 97, for the correct type and grade of oil for the ambient operating temperature.
Two oils, which are recommended by the Rotax Service instruction 18, UL 97 for use with both Avgas
and Unleaded fuels are:
SHELL, Advance VSX 4, APISG, SAE 15W-50
VALVOLINE, Dura Blend Synthetic, APISJ, SAE 10W-40
Check oil and replenish as required.
Prior to oil check, turn the propeller by hand several times (in the direction of rotation) or let the
engine idle for 1 minute.
The difference between maximum and minimum oil level mark on the dip stick is 0.45 Litre (0.48
qt).
Use caution around the hot exhaust header when removing the oil tank cap and checking the dip stick.
8.7 Cooling System
Water-cooling system capacity is 2.5 Litre. See maintenance manual for further details.
Coolant Specification
Historically, earlier Airborne trikes with Rotax 912 UL engines used high quality silicate free long life
antifreeze coolant. Then waterless propylene glycol was specified as coolant from 23rd February 2005
as this has a higher boiling point though it results in slightly higher running temperatures.
On September 23, 2013 Rotax issued Service Instruction SI-912-016R6 that permits the use of
conventional coolant based on ethylene glycol with 50% water content.
The
912 Operators Manual (OM Edition 3 / Rev. 0 September 01-2012) .. 2.3) Operating media-
Coolant .. Conventional Coolant
states "Conventional coolant mixed with water has the advantage of
a higher specific thermal capacity than water-less coolant." and
Application
states "When correctly
applied, there is sufficient protection against vapor bubble formation, freezing or thickening of the
coolant within the operating limits. Use the coolant specified in the manufacturers documentation."
It also gives excellent corrosion protection, especially for aluminium, and protection against freezing.
Rotax have directed that coolant type be specified by the aircraft manufacturer.
WARNING
DO NOT OPEN THE COOLING SYSTEM WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT. SEVERE SCALDING AND
OTHER INJURIES MAY RESULT.
