Rotax 912 Rough Running First Check for Carburetor Float Problem Fix

Rotax 912 engines with carburetors have had a float problem since 2012 with the floats absorbing fuel and sinking. This is more common tan most think. I feel this is the first thing to check if the engine is not running properly. Note that old auto gas/Mogas should be replaced if it has been sitting around for more that 4 weeks first. This shows how to check the floats to make sure this is not the problem before you start trying other things. This is a free video tip that is included in the Rotax Introduction and Updates on line course at elearning.sportaviationcenter....
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[@LeonardLayne]

Great information thank you

[@PaulHamiltonCFI]

Very welcome

[@StingFlight]

Hah! I'm dealing with it again, right now, as well! And my float "bone-yard," after 2,800 hours on my Rotax, is about the same size as yours. Thoroughly disgusting! Thanks for making this video. BTW: The newest pairs of floats (PN861-189) are fetching either $131.75 (CPS) or $150.95 (LEAF & Lockwood Aviation) as we speak. What a bad joke--and it's on us!

[@PaulHamiltonCFI]

Yea. The fuel injected does not have floats but it is not perfect.

[@fpvflyby6855]

Hi Paul thanks for sharing this. Although this service bulletin dates back to 2012 do you know if they have come up with a new design on the floats as of yet? I am not having trouble with my Rotax 912 but my trike is a 2010 and I am not sure if the floats have ever been replaced.

[@PaulHamiltonCFI]

Yes they always say they have come up with a solution. Hopefully the newest is a permanent fix. It should not be that difficult...........

[@srnunan4783]

I have many old floats that still weigh just right but the carbs overflow even after new needle valves, i think the seats can be a problem. I have unnecessarily changed float sets as part of the 5yr carb rebuild even when they arent sinking, and yet the bad seats can cause rough running, poor idling etc etc. My engine always starts and runs perfectly smooth while the float bowls are low from evaporation since last run, but 30 sec after start up it gets rough and starts shaking and chugging. And for me it's not the floats.

[@PaulHamiltonCFI]

If your floats pass the weight test, sounds like it is your carb bowl inlet seat or plug. Best thing is to have the carbs rebuilt otherwise you are chasing something that can be fixed.

[@kenthigginbotham2754]

Paul my phone is having problems and I have sent emails to schedule lessons😀 Did you get them?

[@PaulHamiltonCFI]

Call me 775 772 8232 to schedule lessons and talk to me. I simple phone call. E mail is not that reliable

[@livingladolcevita7318]

hi paul surely this is a design fault and should be sorted asap can it be converted to injection

[@PaulHamiltonCFI]

No it is not practical to convert to fuel injection. Completely different engine design.

[@MrHanowski]

It's odd that Rotax specifies the total maximum weight for a PAIR of floats (7 gms) vs a specification per float. For example, a pair that is 3 + 4 = 7gms would be acceptable, as would 2 + 5 = 7gms (if that were possible). I agree, I'd prefer a matched pair as light as possible. Has Rotax fixed this or not? Who sells them cheapest? Thanks! PS I've followed you for years back to the original 1980s ultralight flying days (Glider Rider Magazine, Ultralight Flying Magazine) and have some of your books. Thanks for your contributions to sport flying!

[@PaulHamiltonCFI]

I sure hope Rotax has fixed this. I am tired of replacing floats. Yes you should try and have matched weights per set that is what I do.

[@jolyoncrane5578]

What percentage prove bad and how long does it usually take? I'm on my 4th set in 250 hours - now we get another directive to change at $360/set in the UK. This is big safety problem that needs fixing - myself and others have had major problems after having just been over big stretches of water. Can we trust the new design or is it best to stick with floats that are good after a long period? At the every least we ought to be offered replacements at cost - not big mark-ups. The same with the $26/pop bowl gaskets! Its not so much unaffordable as WRONG.

[@PaulHamiltonCFI]

I agree. I am really irritated with this float problem.

[@kolbclassicbuild4871]

Great turtle neck..