My Rotec radial engine story

The video is about my experience with Rotec R3600 radial engine and Rotec Company. Sad but true.

[@nieuportflyer]

I had two 2800s. I received the same treatment. I saved all the emails and correspondence including the threat of lawsuit. (My attorney told me if they sued we'd more than likely wind up owning Rotec). I'm a A&P and a 32000 hr retired airline pilot. I grew weary of the insults and degradations.

[@Aitchgee]

"But as soon as a customer becomes too aggressive, we separate, as life is too short." Sounds like they have plenty of experience of this.

[@Tshasta4449]

Aitch gee Really, if you have constructive criticism they don’t want to hear it. I always thought that is how you make your product better when you hear about problems. Although the customer ends up doing the product testing and bears the brunt of the expense... 😬

[@travelbugse2829]

That for me was breathtaking. In any other consumer relationship that would kill off a company. PR suicide to talk like that. I wonder how long Rotec will last. A great shame, I would add, because the engine looks great and could potentially be a major player in the vintage and retro market.

[@B60IN3]

And life can be far shorter with a Rotec!

[@46bovine]

Rotec is apparently a junk dealer with a crappy customer relations attitude. Thanks for that eye-opening review.

[@apuuvah]

Life is certainly too short with these engines, it seems.

[@bobmillerick300]

As a fellow pilot of Experimental aircraft, the stories associated with this company absolutely terrify me.

[@vardfriki7274]

Super glue, silicone, rust, fuel corrosion, assembly rings, vice marks, warped flanges, misalignment of treads and holes. Scored bores, scored piston skirts, stuck valves, wrong size replacement parts. You are by far the most patient, tolerant person on the face of the earth!

[@tomcoryell]

Is super glue even rated for fuel interaction/submersion?

[@paulsalvestrin7253]

As and engine builder of 35 years and owner of a company that does R&D an modifications on older aviation engines l am very appalled at the level of workmanship on this engine and the disregard shown by the owner of the company in regards to the faults found and the flippant attitude towards the repairs needed. Also being involved in the aviation industry in Australia this company does not have a good name or reputation among the industry here. I hope the repairs you have done and the modifications made work better than the original design and pleas give us an update on it.

[@ikghostlombard3429]

Nice... Respect.

[@arnoudhendriks5490]

The guys from Australia appearently don't like the competition: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6KokqFsZ5xgY9k

[@jefffish3537]

I have be a mechanic 49 years that motor I wouldn't even use for a boat anchor

[@munzeez21]

'Please adjust the valves.' Wait...what??

[@peterh4761]

@@arnoudhendriks5490 you absolutely never ever do a video slagging off the competition. Bad business and it shows Rotec in an even worse still light.

[@brendangardam710]

As an Australian this is very embarrassing .

[@bertcaron4773]

I was looking to buy a 3600, thank you for this video, I am an engine rebuilder and build engine for drag racing, and when I see these pistons and cylindres wall scored, if the answer from the manufacturer is right about cleaning piston with a scotchbrite and and not re-boring the cylindres and installing oversized piston, the engineer in this Rotec business are DUMMED and they don't have any clue how a piston engine works, UNREAL!

[@EamonnSeoigh]

Message received. He’s shipped an older hastily reconditioned engine overseas knowing the new owner would have no recourse but to go to Australia to fight in court, or to fix what’s wrong alone. His responses speak loudly of his interest in profit over quality.

[@mohawkvalleyphenomenon2974]

Not to mention he could have killed people that's manslaughter in Court. It seems like that engine was on the shelf for a few years with all that rust and corrosion. Major issues with quality control.

[@stevelamperta865]

The fact you would have to go over sea's to fight in court if anything goes wrong is one big reason NOT to buy from over sea's !

[@bad05ford]

This is the second time I've seen one with issues like this. The last guy gave up and put a lycoming in his plane.

[@tngtacticalmiata1219]

I would have too. He only did that AFTER crashing due to an engine out with his Rotec. I build engines as a hobby. I know... I'm not a "professional" but, damn... I would be ashamed of the workmanship in that engine. I still can't believe he was using friggin super glue to hold the O-ring in the fuel pressure regulator. There's your "white crystals" My God... I can't believe this idiot hasn't gotten anyone killed yet.

[@nattybumpo7156]

I was saving for one of these. I just decided on the Verner.

[@gerometorribio2127]

Your experience and video may save another pilot’s life. Sad story, excellent video!

[@justingray3456]

Good repair work, but I would have torn down the whole engine to see what problems the bottom end had, and I bet there were plenty judging from the top end.

[@AustNRail]

I’m an Australian and I am ashamed of this situation. The engineering of this engine was brilliant and ROTEC let themselves and the pilots and passengers down in a deadly profit chasing exercise that now will send them broke, and rightly so.

[@Bartonovich52]

@ InfiniteMushroom You spelled “conservative” wrong.

[@mfree80286]

@InfiniteMushroom I see... you're an absolute nutter. Sorry to have witnessed this.

[@imkindofabigdeal4308]

@InfiniteMushroom And yet it is Chinese manufacturing that seems to be mucking up the QC. Hmmm.

[@mjones1958]

You, Sir, have far more patience with Rotec than I would have had.

[@billjacobs8035]

Yes! In the end I believe that you have won! It's a shame that you cannot stumble apon the financial backing to manufacture your own radial engine. I would purchase one 👍

[@turbofan67]

I would be absolutely rabid if someone sold me a road going engine with such shoddy workmanship. I can't believe that guy is still in business, I think he missed his calling as a used car salesman. Well done on this video, hopefully it will dissuade any potential rotec customers from any dealing with this clown.

[@keaaul808]

Wow!! Your story really sounds surreal!! Despite your ordeals with Rotec, being “ripped off,” absorbing all that expenses for parts, labor, and shipment, you are a very patient and forgiving person! (Or maybe your were kindly sarcastic?) Nonetheless, thank you for sharing your experiences and exposing this shameful and shady company! Exposing your dealings and experiences with Rotec, an apparently scrupulous, uncaring company, with awful customer service is an invaluable public service to us all!! Despicable, especially when lives are potentially at stake and Rotec does not seem to take responsibility and accountability for their shoddy workmanship and quality control!!

[@prof.heinous191]

Watching seven minutes of this has put me off Rotec for life - many thanks!

[@DoRC]

I wish there was a way to get this info to every current and potential scrotec customer. Given what I've seen here it really is a matter of life and death for them.

[@gordonjenkins276]

scrotec

[@DerredmaxTRIAX]

If someone dies because of a Rotec engine failure, Paul may find out just how short life can really be!

[@richardmaddock147]

I am amazed by your patience, astounded by your skills and scared wotsitless by Rotec's attitude. The rivet v bolt thing was the final piece of a sorry puzzle. I will never go near a Rotec powered plane now. Your video had my undivided attention for 30 minutes, Briiliant stuff. Every Rotec owner should see this and have a very close look at their flying machine. I say again absolutely Brilliant stuff.

[@michaela.660]

As a automotive machinist and ASE master auto tech in both gas and diesel with 45 years experience, also a pilot--WTF-- ! I have seen better back yard work than this. Among many faults seen , all not even acceptable for pre-final finish work. Every cylinder bore shown, the cross hatching was way too coarse and flat, you had to be burning oil at a high rate. I have never heard of gluing and o-ring in place, the are always mechanically locked. I could write a book on this mess. I hate it for you and thanks for the heads up on this issue.

[@tananam9782]

Not to impune the automotive engine industry and it's standards, I've rebuilt a few hot engines, I have to say: The degree that this engine buyer had to endure in order to make his "new" and therefore very expensive aviation engine safe and reliable is astounding. You can't just pull over to the curb when your airplane engine quits. This requires an extreme degree of attention to detail, which is supposedly what you're paying for when you buy an aircraft engine, which is many times the cost of an automotive engine of similar performance. Redundancies also add to the cost. I liked the idea that this manufacturer was making radial engines. I'm sad to learn that their quality control is poor, and that their customer support boarders on abuse. I think the original poster is far too kind. Yes, ultimately, he learned how to make and maintain a superior airplane engine. Unfortunately, it was because he had to deal with an incompetent manufacturer who was totally unable to admit fault. He'd have been better off building and machining his own engine if his end goal was to learn how an engine is made. If his goal was to supply a reliable radial engine to his airframe project, he ended up spending much more time and fortune than he reasonably should have. Some day I hope to build my own plane. Small, and powered by a radial engine, because anachronism can be fun. It can't, however, be unreliable. I was thinking of using a Rotec product, but this video has made me think twice. If I'm paying top-dollar, I expect top-quality. If this video is evidence, Rotec can't even be bothered to use proper English grammar. How then can they be relied upon regarding the attention to detail required to make a reliable aircraft engine? Take a page from certified aircraft engine standards. It would be absolutely appalling to see Continental or Lycoming corresponding with a new-engine buyer the way this poster shows Rotec's correspondence. Are they at the same level? Well, I haven't done the math, but how much does Rotec charge for an engine? How much would Continental charge for a similar engine? What about Rotax, a company known for its extreme quality, not only in the aviation industry, but with snowmobiles, PWC, and a myriad other applications? Rotec should have build quality at LEAST equal to Rotax. This video seems to be evidence that they have a very long way to go.

[@SpeedRacer-pz9jn]

you never seen a Loctite 112 O-Ring making kit complete with a bottle of Loctite 406 super glue ? lol It works great I agree - what a PITA/POS to even be considered an aviation engine - damn sloppy workmanship. I'm glad the OP was able to solve the issues with that bogan's motor. Now he has something to be proud of (I hope)

[@davecrupel2817]

Get your Airframe & Powerplant, man! Never too old for it. And it'll save you tons in labor costs. (Assuming your a/c isnt an experimental reg.)

[@garydelbelbelluz5690]

As an older Canadian AME with experience on radial engines I found your video very interesting. Thanks very much for including all the depressing details. Great job making the best of a difficult situation. I would fly with you anytime!

[@wojciechhajdukiewicz8703]

Thanks for a kind comment, however I would prefer to have no reasons for publishing the video and simply enjoy flying.

[@ikghostlombard3429]

@@wojciechhajdukiewicz8703 If you stick to an approved maintenance schedule and check cylinder and oil pressure religiously you should be ok you will hear rod slap before crank bearings fail... good luck

[@RWBHere]

So Rotec are nothing more than scammers. The moral of the story, for everybody, is : *NEVER BUY A ROTEC ENGINE; IT MIGHT KILL YOU!* Thanks for the very serious warning.

[@Tshasta4449]

RWBHere Correction, this engine is guaranteed to kill someone sooner than later.

[@sp769]

I'll get one for my Flight Simulator! It will really help with my engine out and forced landing practice.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Oh my god!!!! If the programmers for those Flight Sims could really add the option of a Rotec motor! It would be exciting, each flight you may or may not die, or it could just never run, each time you go to fly it you have to figure out what's broken on it.

[@e36s50b30]

🙈🤣

[@thespazticator]

You should've filed off the Rotec branding as you've basically rebuilt the engine from "scrap" yourself

[@pcc4431]

That's exactly l was thinking.🤓

[@crackerbox15]

As an Australian i'm ashamed at the treatment you received . Most Australian companies pride themselves on high quality products and good customer relations. Seems Rotec have adopted a sell and forget attitude in this case. possibly thinking your far enough away not to worry about. I can imagine the report if you had a failure in the air.

[@vicvalente4874]

not the first horror story I have heard about rotec, bravo on your engineering and troubleshooting skills!

[@michaelvadney5803]

Sorry that you had to go through all that. I'm glad that you stuck with it and made it work out. Congrats!

[@BobSmith-in2gn]

Thanks for the well documented and put together video. It shows your attention to detail. I'm going to go out on a limb and say you probably are not on Rotec's Christmas card list this year.

[@gerrycarmichael1391]

This engine looks as if it was cobbled together from red tagged parts.

[@ikghostlombard3429]

Exactly… Look for the same experience and shipping cost on your next piece of garbage Hewlette Packard product :D

[@jeffery7756]

I bought a Rotec Throttle body and it would not work on my engine. I contacted Rotec for help with adjustments several times and they just won't respond. Rotec has no customer support. They are a waste of money.

[@silasmarner7586]

I wouldn't buy a Rotec no way, but I would buy a Wojciech-tec!!!!

[@travelbugse2829]

He's got a career in the offing! We should crowdfund him, he could buy up Rotec and show that guy how to do proper engineering and manufacture.

[@tonystoakley5816]

@@travelbugse2829 im in

[@jasonshafer7305]

Im an A&P, my jaw hit the floor at the tear down, im glad you were able to fix the problems , but you bought that engine new, then had to remanufacture it yourself ! you got deeper pockets and more patience than i would have had with Rotec . Im glad you were able to fix the thing to your satisfaction, but i would have set that engine aside and given everything over to the Feds and most likely sued the pants off Rotec! after tear down and inspection there is no way i would have ran the engine again.

[@dalestephan6777]

On another channel where the poor fellow crashed, it definitely looked like used part were replacements from rotec Get big insurance so your kin can get rich.

[@romeosantana186]

Very informative. I was ready to purchase an aircraft with the 2800 engine. I'll look elsewhere now. Lots of horror stories about this company. Thanks for sharing your nightmare......

[@jamesmskipper]

I'm sorry you had all those problems, but it made a very informative and entertaining video. I have always been fascinated by radial engines since reading about them in some books my uncle was studying in the late '40s. He went on to a distinguished career with the U.S. National Guard with service in Korea and then many years at the Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville, Arkansas. (Just north of Little Rock.)

[@ikghostlombard3429]

The sad thing is radial engines are normally known for their bulletproofiness literally.... a great big bullet shield on the front of a fighter... See Thunderbolt... The Flying Tank...

[@paulrward]

There is a LOT of lying going on here on the part of Rotec. They stated to you that they have sold over 12000 cylinders? That implies, with an averago of 8 cylinders per engine ( nines and sevens mixed ) that they have sold over 1500 engines. But I have NOT seen that many Rotecs around, and every one that I have seen has an owner who has experienced problems with quality. It is time to call Rotec out: They started out making their engines in Australia, and then, when they went into production they turfed out all of the manufacturing and assembly to subcontractors in China. The Chinese have ZERO quality control, and simply assemble any bad parts into an engine and send it to Rotec, who sells it to a customer. The Rotec factory is apparently very cash-poor, and when they get an engine order, if they have one or more returned engines, they cannibalize them into a frankenstein engine that goes out the door. Parts are re-used, tolerances are not checked, and it is obvious that in their design process they used inapropriate materials, such as relying heavily on rubber o rings in high temperature regimes where such materials are severely eroded. The fact that corrosion on parts is present inside the engines is symptomatic of a poor level of quality control at Rotec, and makes ALL of their engines suspect. The lack of quality in the selection of materials, machining and assembly of component parts, and the poor level of factory service and technical support and expertise, all lead me to one conclusion: The Rotec Radial engines are NOT AIRWORTHY, and should NOT be used on ANY aircraft of ANY type. Rotec engines are, in my opinion, UNSAFE FOR FLIGHT.

[@jolujo5842]

Amen to that!!!

[@mikemcpherson5550]

I knew it! The rust and damaged cylinder issues are from shipping ocean freight from China. The quality control is a local issue as every engine needs a 10 hour run in prior to shipping. It's just smart business. Additionally, the separation letter would have done it for me. My attorney, a complaint to the domestic aviation authority and maybe a personal visit as icing on the cake was in order. Assholes!

[@mikemcpherson5550]

@@chrisknight6884 I think you are directing this comment towards Paul Ward..No?

[@ikghostlombard3429]

they probably sold 3/4th of those cylinder heads to the poor buyers of their "new" engines to replace their shoddy parts with more shoddy parts, big business always does this to non corporate buyers to enhance their profit margins as they know they would not be able to pursue legal recourse and then shut them out if they don't tow their line... there is an accountant that lets them know how many people can die before its no longer profitable to put out defective products... the important thing is to threaten any possible whistle blowers to maintain their silence... the quality of that "new" engine I witnessed in this video is shameful and unfortunately typical in all areas of sales by corporations… safety is not their concern as they are shielded from criminal prosecution and only answer to stockholders and those that can civilly prosecute... our only option is to stop purchasing their products and have our equipment serviced by actual qualified or at least caring small businesses... support your local machinist and if he gives you shoddy work beat him up next time you see him at the bar... (kidding just make him fix it). I am not a mechanic and I can and have built an engine of vastly superior quality to that ROTEC piece of garbage... head bolts should NEVER be locktighted… ever! Engine oil only to maintain torque spec accuracy. Whoever did that probably isn't even qualified to fix a bicycle. They couldn't even be bothered to spring for some 4 dollar barbecue paint (use engine enamel its better). My paint lasted for hmmmm…. 8 years. My Chevelle 283 ci engine (301 ci after boring and 2.02 head swap) had 300,000 miles on it when I sold it in the fourth hot rod I had installed it in... all machine work was done in a local Houston Tx performance machine shop documented and blueprinted for a few thousand dollars... money well spent :D

[@ricardophynque5128]

I recall Reading an article in Aviation History Magazine regarding installation of a Chinese Manufactured Radial to replace the Daimler radial on a FW-190/8 N (for new) which sustained a "Catastrophic" Failure on it's first Test Flight .....China and Quality have No relationship at all.....Stick with American made iron, Plenty of Quality re builder's in this Country.........

[@jonathansteadman7935]

I've just watched another video showing the shoddy work of Rotec causing a crash of a Sopwith Pup and Nieuport 28. Both of these built by one guy and lucky the pilots walked away in one piece. The two biplanes were smashed and had to be rebuilt. I hope Rotec have seriously sorted out their operations, or not functioning as they're playing with people's lives here.

[@robertschaap5342]

I would have ground off the name ROTEC off the rocker covers!!!!

[@AngryHybridApe]

I would have engraved "Never Buy" in front of it.

[@dickjohnson4268]

No joke. It' s your design now. No way that I would put a top end with wear like that on a Harley/BMW R-series. "BlowTec should advertise 80 hour TB Reman times. I really wanted the 3600 for my project.

[@billjacobs8035]

@J T ditto!

[@tamoroso]

You know, I was myself wondering why he did not. He was a gentleman throughout; the business owner, not so much. To the video author/producer: thanks for posting this; if for no other reason than to show that one need not be unpleasant even in the most trying circumstances, and that extracting good from bad situations is not hard, even if it is, from time to time, frustrating and expensive :-)

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

I would have just changed the C to an N..

[@sargepent9815]

Considering this horrible quality control can KILL someone if their engine fails, I'm surprised they're certified to fly

[@brucethecurmudgeon8538]

A factory making AIRCRAFT engines owes the public a product that can be relied upon with documentation that means what it says. Thank you for your effort in WARNING the public about this disaster.

[@bobbyduke777]

I would have milled "rotec" off of the valve covers. I hope they are not the only radial producer in the world.

[@MillerMachineWorks]

Verner is another, has a blower, similar specs and price. Rotec does a video saying it is crap and won't last

[@antofagastaride]

Or put tje word " Rotten" instead

[@65BAJA]

I've always wanted to build a Kitfox with a Rotec R2800 since they were released. Now I think I will stick with a Rotax 914.

[@davecrupel2817]

P&W* R2800. Stay the *F* away from Rotec.

[@MrKeithsplace]

Wow, totally unacceptable quality and treatment. Looks like Rotec is sliding down a slippery slope to closing doors.

[@teddyrupert5920]

I'm a long retired licensed engineer and never saw anything like this. My Honda lawn mower engine was in better nick than your duff cylinder after 14 years' hard work! Your airframe build looks terrific, Wojciech, and I salute your patience with Rotec. I would not trust these cowboys with a wheelbarrow never mind my lawnmower. Best wishes!

[@ChrisB257]

A sad and salutary tale. You sir had the patience of a saint, spent a fortune and time - all that should never have been needed. I am surprised the company has any customers!

[@stevelamperta865]

You would be doing a great public service by taking these criminals to court ! I am thankful you posted your findings online so we are aware , thank you.

[@maniyan_wanagi]

Wow.... they really sold you a piece of used, abused scheit. The only things I'm impressed with are your patience, ingenuity, and capability to see the project through. Sir, my hat is off to you.

[@drewschumann1]

I would've loved it if you milled the Rotec off the valve covers

[@Kraals]

It is very disappointing to learn you were treated in this manner. I would hope the people in the aviation community were all upstanding businesses. A friend has had a similar experience with equipment he uses in his business. After many broken promises the matter is now in the hands of the attorneys. Thank you for telling your story.

[@peteranninos2506]

Wojciech, you are a patient man!!! Personally I wouldn't let those clowns power my aircraft tug let alone an aviation engine. With all the work you've done maybe you should produce your own radial!!! It sure looks like you have the experience by now and will do a better job. Either that or get a 90 year old Kinner B-5 (Parts are available) or just say the heck with it and put in a Lycoming O-320 or even a Rotax 112. Good on you my friend and it's good to see real craftsmen are still out there. All the best!

[@mmichaeldonavon]

NEVER heard anything good about these Rotec engines - NEVER! My hat is off to you, sir, for putting forth the effort to come out with a good, safe, engine. Relying on Rotec, that would not have happened. You should have been able to buy the Rotec engine - mount it, and go flying! Terrible story. Thank you for sharing.

[@jbl7092]

So many horrible stories about this company I don't know where to start.

[@PeterPasieka]

Thank you Wojciech for your video. I almost purchased this engine for my airplane but had a good Lycoming on it and couldn't justify the cost for a Rotech. Oh boy, I have zero skills to rebuild any engine so that would have been good money down the drain for me. Thanks for the video. Przyjemnych lotow.

[@RWBHere]

The Lycoming will probably cost you far less than the Rotec would. Your aircraft could be written off. Worse still, the pilot could be written off. Why have people not started a class action case against Rotec?

[@ikghostlombard3429]

@@RWBHere They are broke after having to pay for their engine twice lol... they cant afford five lawyers... for two years...

[@darrylwbraun]

I'm very pessimistic about my fuel injector now. I got one to replace the 2 carbs on a Rotax 912 and it worked flawlessly, at idle. It would not provide full power. I shipped it back and Rotec "rebuilt" it. I haven't tried it yet again, but... well... I'm thinking I'm going to have to go back to balancing those damn carbs again. My question for you though is "how do confidently fly behind that thing?" I mean, the mods you made are confidence inspiring but there's a hell of lot of Rotec left in that engine just waiting to fail. There's a business opportunity here for you as well. People like you are what keeps people like me safe. Well done!

[@harrowtiger]

A few years ago Paul Chernikeef made a small 5 cylinder model Radial and showed it at Shepparton Victoria Australia Mammoth Model Plane Fly-in. As far as legend goes someone said “I want a bigger one for my Ultra Light”, and the rest is history. Model motor appeared to have the rocker boxes simply press fitted onto the cylinder heads, where both heads and rocker boxes were separate machined pieces, not cast en bloc parts.

[@robertlunsford1350]

I would have machined the manufacturer name off the rocker covers. At the point you have remanufactured the top end.

[@majortom3523]

Thanks fort the warning. I was thinking about a full-size Aerodrome Neuport with a Rotec but not now...

[@RWBHere]

I hear alarm bells every time a company pops up with a name which can be confused with the manufacturer of high quality products. Rotec are no exception. Rotax must be disgusted by this Chinese Rotec scam outfit.

[@ikghostlombard3429]

Packard... Packard Bell... fine products... Hewlette Packard... garbage... I agree :D

[@parqld]

RWBHere Rotec is nothing to do with Rotax and has not tried to emulate Rotax in any way. The engines Rotec produce are purely radial engines nothing like Rotax. The engines are not made in China they are made in Australia. Get your facts straight! As an Australian I am very saddened to hear of all these experiences from people that have bought Rotec engines. I think they started off well but have obviously hit some problems that they should deal with professionally. I recently saw the Verner Radial engines (from the Czech republic) on display at Oshkosh and have 2 friends that have purchased them (3cyl for Ultra light) and say the service and support from Verner is excellent. I am looking t the 5cyl for a project. maybe these guys could be worth a try.

[@Bartonovich52]

@ IKGhost Lombard Packard Bell was crap. Crappy computers for old people who remember the car and the telephone company. HP sucks too but not as bad.

[@ikghostlombard3429]

@@Bartonovich52 yes but was bettern most the competion at the time... gateway for example and I am old... I still like the old IBM's cuz they have the big ass Click Switch on em you threw that switch and you knew you just flipped on power (for back then) now you just touch a soft switch and when nuthun happens you don't even know if the thing is on... and I am old... I don't even need electricity so when the power grid fails I'll flip a big old sturdy switch and laugh as the young ones lose there hot spot and are helpless...

[@antofagastaride]

This remind me motocycle tuned pipe i bought from a fabricant in the US. When started the engine it leaked smoke by every weld like a swiss cheese. I sent an email to them and got the answer: " it cannot be because our welder is a very good welder" and this diamond " how qualified are you to judge our welds" . My answer was : i am in the railroad bussines in charge of wagon engineering department and have a 40+ years of experience using my eyes"...never got an answer...

[@julimariejulimarie4950]

Thanks for the video, I will be going with the Verner Radial for my build. I have heard of these problems from several other Rotec owners as well. Not a good product from what I'm hearing and seeing.

[@stevemull2002]

Rotec engines are no better than a lawnmower engine, and i would not have one in front or behind, in any aircraft i flew in, the old saying, "buy cheap, and buy twice" springs to mind

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Dude, it's NOT cheap. It's expensive. Junky, yes, very junky. That Rotec owner is borderline evil.

[@philpotter6388]

Just too many similar stories such as this. I can understand the occasional problematic engine but this, and Rotec's lack of support, would keep me out of any plane south their engine... except one that's been rebuilt as yours.

[@FlynBrian]

My God, man!! Are they making these things in someone's garage on weekends in their spare time?!!

[@poppys3728]

Probably in a Chinese rice paddy.

[@AngryHybridApe]

More like a back yard. With vice grips and chinese cresent wreches. Lol " Where's that damn flathead I just had? Oh well, a chisel will do for now".

[@ikghostlombard3429]

Hey! Your insulting all us fine folk making things in our garage on the weekends! I object! Strenuously!!!

[@maxlever9196]

@@ikghostlombard3429 I object too. Near blind but built a BMW R80 for aviation application in my garage/home shop, and it is a much better adaptation engineered and assembled power plant than the Rotntech first received by Mr. Hajdukiewicz.

[@couespursuit7350]

Great video, I enjoyed watching your journey and I am sure EA pilots appreciate your work.

[@RobertSwansonJr]

Has the FAA seen this video ???

[@RobOnBusiness]

Wow! 😱 You are an amazing man for having practiced such patience and faith in the face of an obvious scam of an engine manufacturer. You evidently were chosen for this testing experience to hone your already fine character. 👍

[@Rincypoopoo]

Great, honest video. That engine looks fun if you like engineering. Dangerous junk if you want to plug n play.

[@zawzawaung6789]

The comments and replies from Rotec are remarkable in that they don't sound at all like the sort of language an engineer would use. Waaaaaaay too much tentative inexact terminology. Chinese motorbike engines aren't this bad. For an aviation engine, I don't want the manufacturer telling me "do X, Y, OR Z and it ought to be fine".

[@KPMACHINE1]

Very well documented! Good to know these engines are junk! The whole time I was watching I was saying that crap was made in China. I was looking at them at Oshkosh last year thinking they would be a cool engine to use in a build. Never! I hope we can put them out of business for their lack of respect for human life!

[@shortribslongbow5312]

That's an eye opener. Thanks for sharing.

[@Justwantahover]

That's an amazing amount of patience.

[@call_me_stan5887]

Bardzo mi przykro, że musiałeś (musisz) się z tym użerać. Ale dzięki Twojemu filmowi zaoszczędzisz wielu osobom ogromnego bólu głowy. Dlatego komentuję, lajkuję i udostępniam, żeby zwiększyć zasięg filmu. Wszelkiego powodzenia!

[@eddieharrison7119]

As an Australian I am Absolutely appalled by this Story & Rotecs answers to your far to many Problems ! I Hope you have a Good Engine Life now !

[@airdave1961]

I would have shaved the name off the rocker covers and put my own name on after all that work.

[@gertnood]

"Friends don't let friends fly Rotec" - I heard a well known aerobatic pilot say this about Rotax as one buzzed down the runway at an air show a couple years back, thought it was appropriate in this setting.

[@mmi16]

Are you confusing ROTEC and ROTAX?

[@pcc4431]

Lesson learnt, before you fly Rotec powered engine, make sure your intestines are completely empty, otherwise you may have dirty seats. Company will replace seat covers, of course you have to pay shipping both ways. 🤫

[@antofagastaride]

May replace the letter " c" by an "n" in Rotec brand

[@gregy2197]

I work in a different industry, but build many engines. If the responses that you posted in your video are exactly as you received them, verbatim, then my guess is your dealing with someone to whom English is not their main language. Combine that with the sketchy engineering and half assed assembly, if I had to guess, I would say this engine was made in China, and your actually dealing with a Chinese firm who is re-routing them thru a middleman in Australia. All the stuff your finding in your engine, and indeed I have seen in other Rotec videos look like the Chinese engines I have done over. Same backyard stuff. Just a thought, I have no proof, just a hunch.

[@jrbaeronz9840]

I was thinking exactly the same thing,- either Chinese or Russian ?

[@tombowers3681]

I agree, the phrasing of the replies is absolutely in line with Chinese customer support. The quality of the fasteners and the overall lack of quality in the other parts tells me this is Chinese manufacturing at work

[@mpccenturion]

As funny as it goes - my grandfather flew a bit more able engine. The engine was the original Sopwith Camel - from 1918. Of those in his class - He was the only graduate - of 21 who started. It seems this present engine is no better than 100+ yrs ago. I think you are a better Engineer/Mechanic than this latest lot. Old paper manuals have better info. Cheers!

[@repairitdontreplaceit]

i wouldnt put a rotec in a lawn mower after watching this !

[@AngryHybridApe]

I'd wind up a giant rubberband before using a Rotec.

[@chrissometimes7473]

It would be useful for a boat, though - you could use it as a mooring block.

[@ikghostlombard3429]

hey that's a good idea buy one used for 50 bucks and put it on a hover mower that way when it dies you can just step away from the vehicle.. :D :\

[@jameslipman8165]

Stunned. Also, you have the patience of a saint.

[@johnw4659]

Your airplane is beautiful. Congratulations. But, ROTEC....they should be ashamed of their responses. Unreal. Disgraceful.

[@mwgib123]

Thamks for posting I am not going to buy the two my Bro and I for our planes, one of us would die with this engine

[@wolfganggugelweith8760]

I rode about so many problems with this engine and this company.

[@markreynolds6940]

You are clearly a very competent mechanic. Air cooled aircraft engines are not unlike classic motorcycles. Here in the UK we have companies like Molnar who produce Manx Norton engines for racing. They are bullet proof and oil tight. CP Carrillo give many details on bore clearances and honing methods. They never advise flexi hones as they can't run concentric. Piston ring gap, bore clearance, and actually 'centrality' of the conrod in the bore is worth checking. My old Vincent has had many problems and always learning from my mistakes. However manufacturers cannot enjoy this freedom. Fly safe.

[@NihongoGuy]

Does ANYONE have a positive history with Rotec? Anyone?

[@chrisknight6884]

I think that Rotec have some quality control issues to address. NOT what I would expect from an Australian company. Their customer service also needs attention. The content of this video was very fair. It would be interesting to see a detailed response from Rotec. Somehow I doubt it will happen.

[@chrisknight6884]

@Hard Facts I try to avoid sweeping statements. I know nothing about the design, the company and their ethics other than what I have seen and read. Not from personal experience. As such I do not consider myself competent to express an opinion on specifics. I note that the author of this video also confines himself to documented facts, which makes the whole story believable and fair. This one engine (as supplied) was clearly not fit for purpose (powering an aircraft), but the end-user's repairs, modifications and work clearly gives him the confidence to fly with it now. This indicates that the basic engine is good. I have no doubt that given the shortfalls clearly exposed by the long-suffering owner in the video are not unique and that there are other similar examples. I have not read them, therefore I cannot speculate further. To say that the 'entire engine is garbage' (unless you are a certified aero engine engineer) is an opinion, not fact. When it comes to customer service and support for a product, Rotec falls far short of what I would expect. To treat customers this way should ring alarm bells. I would certainly think twice before purchasing one of their products, but Remember that there are two sides of every story and that we have heard just one ..... before making judgement I would like to hear from Rotec. Without this, final judgement is not possible. The fact that there has not been any (reported) reply from the company is an indictment in itself. Was this engine a lemon? Yes, I think is was. Are all Rotec engines also lemons? I can't say, and neither should others unless they have supporting evidence. On the evidence I have seen, would I buy a Rotec? No. Others may have their own opinions. But with respect, please don't comment unless you can back up your statements. The Internet is already too full of uninformed, bigoted, inflamatory and jingoistic statements, no need to increase this. Fly safely.

[@dazaspc]

As an Australian who worked in engineering I am saddened and embarrassed to see the standard inside your engine that was supplied to you. It does look like every single corner was cut and I would have gladly fronted this clown about the junk he had sent you. However I would say that looking at what these contain I couldn't get all this machined for the price these are getting sold for. Well at least machined by suppliers that make parts that would be within tolerance and to a basic automotive standard in Australia. My thoughts would be the components are being machined overseas to get them into a budget that makes the engine possible at that price. This sort of rubbish isn't a true representation of Aussie engineering in general or even specialized stuff. I would also like to mention that post your personal rebuild I would be extremely wary about abandoning thread locking on your engine. Not using Loktite and not replacing it with things like Castellated nuts and wiring could be a path for future problems. Thread locking compound is one of the most reliable and safest ways of ensuring fasteners don't come loose. Proper quantities, formulation and preparation are the key when using liquid thread lock.

[@N17C1]

When I visited their factory a while ago, they were making most of the parts in-house (not sure where their castings came from but they were machining them. Sadly, I have gone through many suppliers in my 'day job' and have trouble finding reliable Australian parts manufacturers. Sticking to tolerances or specifcation seems almost impossible for most Australian companies and they don't understand why you won't accept the parts. Had one supplier who supplies to major aerospace companies admit that he bought some components 'from ebay' and threw them in with the genuine batch so he wasn't short on the delivery. No traceability, not genuine parts - cost us the contract.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

I hate when a company won't stand behind the product they seem to be so proud of, truly a bad company.

[@rogerturner5504]

A terrible story sir and hats off to you for your amazing patience. They are very lucky that you are not a flinty-eyed farmer prepared to visit them with a shotgun!

[@kibapoohead4633]

This malignancy could be mistaken for ROTAX engines. This should be made apparent.

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Forever I kept thinking they were the same motor. I bet ROTAX despises Rotec for the junk they cobble together.

[@hippylong]

Excellent detective work.

[@TheRealChetManley]

I am glad i saw this. I was planning to use a rotec for my build. Man you have saved me a lot of grief. Most lawn mower engines ive worked on are nicer and better built than that POS.

[@aeastes11]

“Life is too short..” yeah they seem to be in the shortening business

[@johnstewart7022]

The level of quality assurance and dependability required and expected of an aircraft engine means that the OEM should have replaced this unit immediately and performed a detailed inspection of this unit at their factor as soon as it arrived back at their facility. Then presented you with a letter of thanks. I agree with the comment that "I would fly behind a Hajdukiewcz without hesitation".

[@rapskallion]

20:50 Best bhoice of action. I realize there may not be a lot of suppliers for these small radials but I would not do business with a company that charges shipping for their mistakes. This engine was such a disaster I could easily view this as criminal gross negligence in quality control.

[@markrutlidge5427]

Looks like you have a very good rotec rebuild business in the making, just have to find some alternative parts and a small foundry (for rocker covers) and machine shop to help. You have already solved a lot of problems. Well done.

[@zuestoots5176]

HIgh oil pressure is never a bad thing when everything is working like it should. I have built a few race engines and normal car engines for myself and family, i always like to see a cold idle pressure of 80psi and no less than 35psi hot at idle. Happier at 40+psi hot.

[@andrewmcpoland9040]

I would have machined the Rotec name off the rocker covers!

[@EDMDoc]

Seems there is an opportunity for a Canadian to take over and produce a dependable radial engine line made in Canada.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

You certainly have patience - and additional money. :-) I've never read anything about these Rotec engines that was commendable - always problems with fit, finish and you name it. NO way would I ever buy one of these engine - EVER. I watched the entire video and was totally taken aback. I've been flying for over 40 years, GA and Ex;erimental, and have worked with Rotax engines - you take them out of the crate, install them and they will run for 400 to 600 hrs. NO problems. Thanks.

[@connorssmallengines6663]

Rotax is a very good engine company