Update on Rebel 286
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:49 pm
Rebel Builders:
I thought it is about time to give this group an update about Rebel 286. I
lurk on the list however rarely contribute so here's my nickels worth.
My rebel is using a Formula Power Subaru with a Ross Aero reduction Drive.
I had flown my Rebel several years ago and had after approximately 35 air
hours I had an in-flight engine failure. Luckily I was just over the airport
and glided it back to the runway without further mishap. After
troubleshooting the problem, I had a crank sensor that had failed and since
I had only single ignition all the fire had went out.
I also had one cylinder with some small score marks. I sent the engine back
to California to a reputable engine shop and had the engine completely
redone and dynoed. I can't blame the failure of the engine itself to it but
rather to myself in working out the bugs when one does an auto conversion.
When the engine came back I installed dual ignition with dual crank sensors.
I am using Airflow Performance Fuel injection with dual electric fuel pumps
and dual Electromotive HPX ignitions. The two ignitions feed coil joiners
to individual spark plugs. The coil joiners come from Electromotive as
well. I can run and/or start on either ignition or both simultaneously. So I
always run on both.
I have had numerous people question me as to why I went back to the Subaru
setup why not replace it with a Lyc. My problems I can't blame directly on
the individual components that make up the engine (i.e. Fuel system,
ignition etc.). The conclusion that I keep coming back to is that all of my
components are high quality however I needed to tweak the marriage of these
systems in such a way that they can operate as they were intended. I
certainly have learned a lot going through my exercise. I would also have to
say that Auto conversions are not for everyone.
Today I am over 70 hrs and my Rebel is meeting my expectations at this time.
I have it on Aero ski's at my house. I haven't measured my takeoff run but
certainly solo it seems that I am airborne within 100-150 feet. I will
measure and let you know. At Gross weight will quite easily top 1200 fpm
climb on the VSI. At 4400 RPMS I am cruising at 100 mph (statute) with
straight and level MAX above 120 mph.
I haven't done a serious fuel burn test but do know that it doesn't seem to
be burning much fuel.
I would just like to comment to builders that are contemplating using an
engine like a Subaru.
Expect the build time to be longer than using a Lycoming.
Expect that you will need design brackets, wiring, cowls etc. on
your own maybe without a lot of help.
There are people who have done it so don't be afraid to ask for
input.
There are significant advantages using water cooled, modern engines
today.
Be diligent in testing your setup.
If someone wants more information about the "Bugs" that I ran into I would
be glad to answer them.
Thank You,
Del Schmucker
Information Systems Manager
Keewatin-Patricia District School Board
807-223-1254
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I thought it is about time to give this group an update about Rebel 286. I
lurk on the list however rarely contribute so here's my nickels worth.
My rebel is using a Formula Power Subaru with a Ross Aero reduction Drive.
I had flown my Rebel several years ago and had after approximately 35 air
hours I had an in-flight engine failure. Luckily I was just over the airport
and glided it back to the runway without further mishap. After
troubleshooting the problem, I had a crank sensor that had failed and since
I had only single ignition all the fire had went out.
I also had one cylinder with some small score marks. I sent the engine back
to California to a reputable engine shop and had the engine completely
redone and dynoed. I can't blame the failure of the engine itself to it but
rather to myself in working out the bugs when one does an auto conversion.
When the engine came back I installed dual ignition with dual crank sensors.
I am using Airflow Performance Fuel injection with dual electric fuel pumps
and dual Electromotive HPX ignitions. The two ignitions feed coil joiners
to individual spark plugs. The coil joiners come from Electromotive as
well. I can run and/or start on either ignition or both simultaneously. So I
always run on both.
I have had numerous people question me as to why I went back to the Subaru
setup why not replace it with a Lyc. My problems I can't blame directly on
the individual components that make up the engine (i.e. Fuel system,
ignition etc.). The conclusion that I keep coming back to is that all of my
components are high quality however I needed to tweak the marriage of these
systems in such a way that they can operate as they were intended. I
certainly have learned a lot going through my exercise. I would also have to
say that Auto conversions are not for everyone.
Today I am over 70 hrs and my Rebel is meeting my expectations at this time.
I have it on Aero ski's at my house. I haven't measured my takeoff run but
certainly solo it seems that I am airborne within 100-150 feet. I will
measure and let you know. At Gross weight will quite easily top 1200 fpm
climb on the VSI. At 4400 RPMS I am cruising at 100 mph (statute) with
straight and level MAX above 120 mph.
I haven't done a serious fuel burn test but do know that it doesn't seem to
be burning much fuel.
I would just like to comment to builders that are contemplating using an
engine like a Subaru.
Expect the build time to be longer than using a Lycoming.
Expect that you will need design brackets, wiring, cowls etc. on
your own maybe without a lot of help.
There are people who have done it so don't be afraid to ask for
input.
There are significant advantages using water cooled, modern engines
today.
Be diligent in testing your setup.
If someone wants more information about the "Bugs" that I ran into I would
be glad to answer them.
Thank You,
Del Schmucker
Information Systems Manager
Keewatin-Patricia District School Board
807-223-1254
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To unsubscribe from this list go to:
http://www.dcsol.com:81/public/code/html-subscribe.wcx
Archives located at http://rebel:builder@www.dcsol.com:81/default.htm
To contact the list admin, e-mail mike.davis@dcsol.com
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