Yamaha Phazer Airplane Conversion - Part 4

Yamaha Phazer Snowmobile Engine on a Kolb FireStar 2 Airplane. See my other videos for previous episodes -- / bkairys
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[@saltydecimator]

Progress doesn’t care what the weather is!!! Getter donee love it!!

[@markconnolly692]

I love your videos. I can't believe how clear your microphone is. It sounds like you are just sitting next to me in a car, not flying an open air ultralight on a cold winter day, sitting underneath a screaming snowmobile engine. Nice job.

[@bkairys]

This engine is quiet!

[@philiptaylor3262]

Stoked to hear you are putting one on a kitfox I have a 1050 with a 582 I'd like to go with a Phazer That engine sounds amazing. Keep up the great work and thanks for posting

[@raydreamer7566]

I really like what you are doing with your plane with this advanced motor exchange. I was comparing Mike Patey new landing gear on his new plane project and I think you have that suspension now on your donner sled. Maybe when you have time see if you can update your landing gear with the donner sleds suspension. Please keep up the good work and keep these videos coming. I am still in the Philippines now and not able to travel and watching you makes my day !

[@curvs4me]

That EFI is really great! If you are running the 503 carbureted that's jetted for the summer, a cold day like that is liable to burn down the pistons. That would be a superbad day...

[@petergreen6857]

well done young fella, great to see someone experimenting safely, very enjoyable watch

[@plane-fuzz]

Looks like a good plan for my kitfox! I LIKE IT!

[@Stromzilla]

You’re giving me food for thought. Absolutely love what you’re doing with that Phaser motor. I have 1200 ft with trees at both ends so I would like serious stol and a serious motor. Keep up the great work!

[@chipjumper]

I was considering the 3-cyl genesis but now I’ll go with the Phaser 2-cyl for my Capella XS.

[@jrbailey3208]

Really glad to see this latest update on the Phazerflugzeug! I figured you'd be happier than a bear in honey when you got it down to brass tacks! 4 stroke vs 2 stroke F.I. vs Carb Fuel Burn that saves LOTS of jingle (and cleaner burning as well) Climb Rates at 'Bat Out of Hades' numbers QUIETER (so much easier on the ears) Improved TBO numbers (prospective at this point, but it is logical) What I really want to know at this juncture is: Considering the improvement in available HP, what effect did it give you on Useful Load numbers? Rates of burn (GPH) for Standard Cruise (Mini-Cross Country Jaunt for Grub and Lies with fellow Pilots), Max Cruise, and Econo Cruise? Given that the Mindless Bureaucrats at the FAA might actually give us a renamed Constant Speed Prop option (One Lever Control or some other such nonsense), do you see any real world advantages for your Phazerflugzeug? I'm hoping some forward thinking Ultralight Pilots will tell Dan Johnson and his fellow pack of cowards (what I refer to as the 'Don't Rock the Boat Boys'), along with the FAA, via some very talented lawyers, to adopt the European 675lb gross weight limit for Ulgralights! Imagine what would be possible if we all had another 400 lbs to mess with!!!! Anywho....thank you for freezing your posterior off to get us all this update. Take care, stay safe, and Merry Christmas! Cheers from the Oil Patch in Central WY

[@jamesringler987]

Even 100 lbs would be great for part 103

[@jrbailey3208]

@@jamesringler987 No way! Like my great uncle used to tell me: "Boy, if you're gonna dream, dream FILET MIGNON, and NOT Ground Round!" There's ZERO reason why the US shouldn't already be at parity with Europe on Part 103 Gross Weight.

[@MrHanowski]

@@jamesringler987 Never make 254lb weight.

[@bobjones8864]

I would try a power buffer and one of those headlight defogger kits to clear up your windshield issue. I’m glad to hear you had to hire someone to help you with the code. It would be troubling if you fabricate steel and do computer code. Great video, thanks.

[@DaninVA]

Very cool set up and flying. He careful with those forehead "brain freezes" :)

[@MrTntmotorsports]

Can't wait to see how this project turns out and some GPH numbers etc!! I would love to do a similar conversion in a powered parachute. Reliable 4 stroke plus a bit more HP than my 582 would be awesome. I have had the yamaha sleds and they are impressive engines

[@bkairys]

2 gal / hr so far

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

I have a 07 phazer fx my wife rides. 12000 rpm 80 hp twin 5 valve head magnesium block engine is awesome. I added a yamaha electric fan it for cooling with success. Yamaha recommended first valve adjustment at 40 000km And oil changes every 2500km but only changing the oil filter ever 20 000km , thats un heard of reliability for snowmobiles. Since 07 the only problem I've had is, during warm up, never touch the throttle for sometimes it would foul sparkplugs, but other then that, zero issues.

[@188steve2]

Been waiting for a SToL Firestar buolf and this is perfect!! Great content Ben!!

[@kevinoconnor164]

If you haven't replaced the windshield yet, you should try to use a plastic polish. It usually works pretty good for me. It is at most auto parts stores. It comes in different types. Depending on how much scratch you have to remove.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Nice flying machine. One question: Do you have to do a DAR reinspection due to the new engine and change in the mount? Thanks,

[@rbarnes8169]

Make a switch so you can use both ground and air, just switch the inputs.

[@Paganiproductions84]

I wonder this engine would go in more aerodynamic sleeker plane that could be quick and fast rocket

[@planecrazzzy]

You can polish out the Windshield with MOTHERS Aluminum Mag Polish

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

Have to take to Osh, for the climb rate alone.

[@whitetrashgarage8110]

I'd absolutely love to use the stock gauge cluster and have the air speed shown, even if it was a secondary indicator... Using the stock cluster and having that big area showing nothing would really bother me. Plus the stock cluster can do trouble codes.

[@Cholo1B]

Nice work Ben!

[@RobotoForgoto]

Ok Ben.....you have me convinced a Yamaha is good for my project. Where do you recommend i get what i need?

[@bradmarcum2927]

Really enjoyed your video. You talk a lot about your secondary airspeed indicator but I couldn’t find anything in your previous videos about it. Can you provide a short write up on it please?

[@bkairys]

Check out BKExperimental.com. You can contact me directly thru the site also for further info. Thx!

[@goatflieg]

Getting caught up on your videos. Still shopping for my own Firestar; made contact with an older guy in Kentucky named Herb that claims to have built your Firefly. Does that sound correct to you?

[@petechmura1017]

Awesome!

[@KGFlyer55]

To awesome!

[@19rocket64]

how much did the sled set you back...engine cost

[@daveb7568]

What would I pay to get one in Australia qld

[@robertsylvis4915]

Man I have a Kitfox 1 and a Flightstar 2 SC I would like more info on that motor swap for mine.

[@djal1030]

this is great. I have a Streak Shadow with a 582. I would love to swap to this engine. Have you tough of changing the ECU to microsquirt?

[@Jbmc65]

Hey Ben, did you make your own harness or did you buy one from that guy that makes them on KZbin? I seen his channel months ago but can not remember who it was.

[@bkairys]

Yes just modified the stock harness myself.

[@albertasaugis]

Hi samting niu, kold vit open kabin, ozo dont nyd PPL?

[@bkairys]

In the US you would need a Light Sport ticket or better to fly this N numbered Kolb.

[@Stromzilla]

You showed the kart wheel and rotor for the future oversized tires. Can you share the tire size that you plan to use? Thanks

[@bkairys]

21x8.00-6 4 Ply Aero Classic

[@RobbyP1969]

I'd rather you made the motor :) I'm a geologist by training, so you don't want me working on engine fabrication.

[@MrHanowski]

Congrats on your success . . . very exciting! Are there critical engine parameters that you need to monitor/maintain, especially prior to takeoff, like water temp, oil temp/pressure? Wondering how much RPM, HP, and Torque that C-box can take? It runs much lower RPM on a Rotax 582 where max RPM is 6800. What's that tall cylinder in front of the engine? Do you still think you need a clutch? If so, I still don't understand why? Looking forward to more updates. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

[@bkairys]

The Engine has a internal .7 gear reduction. So at full throttle the gear box is seeing 6,650 rpm with the engine at 9,500. C boxes are rated for 140 hp. Clutch seems needed. Didnt want to start or idle correctly without it. Cylinders is the oil tank for engine(dry sump). Sled gauge cluster monitors all critical parameters with dummy lights and actual readouts in a sub menu.thanks!

[@MrHanowski]

I watched all 4 of your Phazer install videos before, did research to get up to speed, then re-watched again. Comments/questions follow: 1) Suggest adding gussets to the parallel motor mount tabs that connect to engine. 2) Suggest adding another vertical support on other side of oil tank, and gusseting both supports. 3) Suggest using torque wrench to tighten prop bolts to 200 in-lbs for IVO, using progressive criss-cross pattern. 4) Do you still think a clutch is needed? 2500rpm idle doesn't seem too high. I'm very concerned about running a clutch on my Powered Parachute because of the chute hazard it posses. That can be managed for landing, but not for an aborted takeoff. Sure would like to find a clutch-less solution. I noticed it took a long time for your prop to stop after engine shutdown. That's what worries me. 5) You mentioned re-pitching prop to raise RPMs and max HP. I'd add pitch to lower RPM to extend engine life. I'm sure 1800ft/min climb is fun, but hardly necessary. To me, engine life and reliability is more important. Yes, they are snowmobile engines designed for high rev. But Physics still says high revs leads to shorter engine life. I'd go with Physics! 6) Where did you get the Phazer wiring diagram? 7) I'm sure you know this already, but don't forget to bypass/disable the "limp modes" (low oil pressure, etc.). It would be a shame to have the engine quit for that reason! Thanks again for sharing your work. It is fun to see what talent and ingenuity can achieve!

[@gulloorandhawa2287]

nice

[@michaelguy7168]

Really want to fit one of these engines on a Rans S5. What rear sled is the best?

[@bkairys]

2007 and newer Yamaha Phazer are the ones.

[@shannonwhitaker9630]

Ben, fantastic work. I noticed you are hammering that thing pretty hard. Do you think the clutch can handle the increased power/torque without burning up/glazing/overheating.

[@bkairys]

I hope so! Only time will tell. This clutch has been used on the apex models with double the hp without issue.

[@shannonwhitaker9630]

Good to hear. I absolutely love having a clutch on my 582 (keeps from wrecking the plane with nasty vibration) but I worry about it eventually failing. "Failing" would most likely mean it locks up engaged and the prop will still turn but never the less it's something to ponder.

[@Jbmc65]

BEN, What year is that new donor? Approx how much would I expect to pay for one like that? Thanks John

[@bkairys]

2007+ yamaha phazer. 3k ish

[@Jbmc65]

@@bkairys wow, good price Ben with low miles. Thanks very much EDIT: I am wondering how that 80 hp would do on my Airbike. I am going to modify the wings next year with slats

[@fastmankim1]

Good job, I'm putting a fazer on my kitfox 3 and I like your airspeed idea , how can I get one

[@bkairys]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@123camerican]

What year engines will fit ??

[@bkairys]

2007+ yamaha phazer

[@kevinoconnor164]

Where in Michigan do you live? I'm in white lake, and my son is in Bruce township. I'm looking at getting a firefly with floats.

[@bkairys]

Hey Kevin, I'm near 69G.

[@kevinoconnor164]

Way up there? My family has a 38 acre property in strongs corner. We use it for snowmobiling. I was just wondering where your from because I am not experienced with flying. I have been working on getting a firefly to use around the lake area where I live. I am hoping to find someone to help me get a start with learning how to fly an ultra light. It would be really nice to find a coach who is familiar with the kolb and also have some experience with floats.

[@bkairys]

@@kevinoconnor164 I'm in the howell area between lansing and annarbor near 69g Airport

[@kevinoconnor164]

@@bkairys that is not far, I Googled M69 G and the result was in the UP. I live on cedar island lake. Your right up the road from me. Have you ever landed on floats? Have you ever taught someone to fly? Would you be able to teach me?

[@19rocket64]

Have you figured out your fuel burn on this? thanks

[@bkairys]

2 gph at 7200 rpm cruise.. 55 mph

[@19rocket64]

@@bkairys that is amazing...what is the rpm @ the prop, thanks

[@bkairys]

@@19rocket64 7200 Engine Rpm .... Engine has internal reduction of .7= 5,040 rpm into c box with 2.62 ratio= 1,923 Rpm on prop

[@djal1030]

Keep the airspeed. Simply put you are flying and stall speed is base on air speed not ground speed.

[@flytoday]

can you display fuel flow or total fuel burn?

[@bkairys]

Could be possible

[@builditright4666]

What are those brakes your using?

[@bkairys]

Mountain bike brakes

[@builditright4666]

@@bkairys Very cool keep it up

[@dpsflyboy]

What year make and model of sled that on and the one you just got?

[@bkairys]

2007+ Yamaha phazer is the sled you want for this engine. The one installed in the plane is a 2014. The blue sled is a 2007.

[@dpsflyboy]

@@bkairys Any difference in the years? One better or more desireable than the other?

[@bkairys]

Same engine for 2007 and up. Lower the miles the better!

[@johnnyonaboat]

How did you do this conversion without a gearbox?

[@johnnyonaboat]

Are you going to be running skytrax on your kitfox?

[@bkairys]

check out a few videos ago of gearbox setup. HomeBrew adapter is working great so far.

[@MrHanowski]

It uses a Rotax C-box.

[@tonyjenkins7280]

Please speak correctly the wright brothers were pioneers They made the first powered glider at best needed a catapult. A Brazilian made the first airplane. An airplane is a machine that takes off and lands on OWN power. Give credit were it's due. in aviation

[@roygrohler4871]

What's the possibility to contact me I want to build one .

[@bkairys]

[e-mail]

[@roygrohler4871]

[e-mail] thank you would like to do a 1049 c.c yahama

[@kermets]

Its a Bummer the engine isnt common World Wide ........

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

It is common anywhere there's snow. 07 to 2014 phazer and venter 500 cc snowmobiles. Trailside Sports in Espanola Ontario Canada has been known to ship motorcycle, atvs and snowmobiles world wide. Ask for Kevin. Phazers go for around 4000 to 8000 $ Canadian

[@russellsmith3825]

Too bad you don't have doors, since it's liquid cooled you could easily have cockpit heat

[@bkairys]

I have the stuff to make it happen but much prefer open cockpit most of the time.

[@raydreamer7566]

He can still have a heater at his feet. All liquid cooled heating comes with a risk. Getting burned by a leak.

[@russellsmith3825]

@@bkairys I really liked the layout of a T-bird 2 I looked at basically with jeep doors, on or off in a couple minutes.

[@russellsmith3825]

@@raydreamer7566 not really a risk. And ball valves can isolate it if needed