To Colin & Bev Rainey, Hi guys. I was interested in your letter supporting non-aviation power plants for Experimental aircraft use. I would like to add one simple note about the points vs electronic ignition. William Wynne offered a concept that I think is worth passing along. This concept proves absolutely nothing, but simply provides the user with additional information from which to form a decision. William Wynne's concept is this: While the electronic ignition has many fine features, is stronger, more reliable, better controlled, etc., it contains one alarming characteristic. And that is that in opposition to points, which almost universally die in small increments, the electronic variety work perfectly right up to the very nano-second when they stop completely. The old point system will act up and work poorly before dying altogether, thusly allowing the pilot to continue the flight to a safe haven where repairs can be performed. I am fond of that safety feature.
Thanks for allowing me to offer this little tidbit. Richard G. Alps (Hoping to begin building soon) ----- Original Message ----- From: Colin & Bev Rainey To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 5:07 AM Subject: KR>Auto engines Scott & netters, I respect Scott's opinion and education/training about the aviation industry and all his feelings related to the use of aviation related only parts. IN some applications I agree totally. However, where it comes to engines I have to respectfully disagree and state a supporting view to all those using and planning to use auto conversion engines. Great strides in dependability and safety have been achieved by the auto manufacturers in their engines in the last years. The success of the little VW stretches back almost as far if not farther than the Lycoming, & Continental stable. Initially all engines were water cooled variety, and some of the most successful breeds of planes did not have air-cooled powerplants, but rather water cooled ( discounting jet powered ). The Corvair is another example of a relatively simple conversion that allows both budget power, and reliable easily attained parts for upkeep. It also allows the builder to become acquainted with his engine to better be able to care for it, which in my 15 some odd years of running an automotive repair shop was the single most important fact that separated the casual driver who just put gas in it, from the owner who truly cared for his vehicle. The more you know about the way it works and why, the better you will care for it. There is much more than just changing the oil every 50 hours. I totally support and encourage the use of the VW, Corvair, Subaru, and I personally will in the future be using either a Honda or GM powerplant in our KR, liquid cooled, and smooth running, with electronic fuel injection, and PSRU. I hope for all builders success, but do not feel that everything must be of the aviation variety to be safe, just good quality and well researched, and tested. I myself still shudder at the thoughts of people using points ignition systems when there are so many electronic ones out there that are so much more reliable and make the engine run so much better. How do you think all of you are walking out this morning, getting in cold and starting that engine in your car with not so much as a second thought, one of a thousand times. Think of how many hours you drive your car trouble free, and when maintained how it keeps just coming back for more. I can promise you that there are pilots this morning that will flood their engines out, run the batteries down, and foul out their plugs this morning at the airport near here. It has happened to me every winter from "old reliable Lyc". Opinions....... Colin & Bev Rainey KR2(td) N96TA Sanford, FL [email protected] or [email protected] http://kr-builder.org/Colin/index.html_______________________________________________ see KRnet list details at http://www.krnet.org/instructions.html
