[F500] engine failures

[Chuck McAbee]

I have the 1st Rotax 494 to run in SCCA National Competition in January
1997.  It has never had a bottom end bearing failure.  Jim Elder of Dolphin
Motorsports rebuilt it in August 2003, after I melted down the recoil side
piston.  Having run the engine for 6 years in 8 to 10 National's a year,
Jim and I decided to install a new crank assembly.  


Chuck McAbee
SEDIV #16


> [Original Message]
> From: Jay Novak <jnovak6 at wideopenwest.com>
> To: <f500 at f500.org>
 > Date: 9/30/2004 6:15:58 PM
> Subject: [F500] engine failures
>
> I am sure that everyone has heard that we failed a rod bearing in
> Brian's car.  Brian was in cruise mode & the engine never even gave a
> hint of failure until the lap it quit.  No extra noise or vibrations.
> 
> In any case I have tried to figure out why we had this failure & we have
> to put it down to a fatigue failure.  I have added up all the time that
> this engine has had since new & it is around 20 to 24 races including
> test days.  It may be that many of you with lots of time need to think
> about replacing or rebuilding your crankshaft after about 20 races.
> 
> I would appreciate any information any of you have about bottom end
> failures on the Rotax 494.  Perhaps we can get a better understanding on
> the fatigue life of these engines.
> 
> 
> Thanks ... Jay Novak
>  
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--- Chuck McAbee
--- sedivf500 at earthlink.net