dennisatysonJanuary 21, 2020, 7:25pm
I did a search here on the board for this engine and didn’t find much. Is anyone using this engine and what has been your experience? I see it is a popular choice for the Aerolite 103.
Building and Flying Related Boards › miniMax, Hi-Max, and AirBike General Discussions
Kawasaki 440
14 posts
toliver66January 22, 2020, 1:44am
I am seriously considering the Kawasaki 340 for my minimax. From my research I've found that it is a very smooth and reliable engine with all the latest 2 stroke tec, Nikasil cylinders, CDI, light weight. Search it on youtube, there is some good info there.
ITman496January 22, 2020, 3:49pm
I own one! I have not flown with it yet but from what I've heard about it, its lovely. I've ran it a few times, starts instantly and runs very solid.
The things I've learned so far are that you need to make sure you do the re-drive in the correct direction, or like me you'll be forced to keep the forced air cooling fan on and won't be able to rely on passive cooling.
J-Bird knows everything there is to know about the engine and has all the parts. They love talking about it too. Make sure you get Chuck, he seems far more knowledgeable and willing to talk then the other person there.
Let me know if you want any measurements or pictures of it or anything I can help with.
The things I've learned so far are that you need to make sure you do the re-drive in the correct direction, or like me you'll be forced to keep the forced air cooling fan on and won't be able to rely on passive cooling.
J-Bird knows everything there is to know about the engine and has all the parts. They love talking about it too. Make sure you get Chuck, he seems far more knowledgeable and willing to talk then the other person there.
Let me know if you want any measurements or pictures of it or anything I can help with.
textailwindsJanuary 22, 2020, 4:03pm
I have the 440C with the auto oiler on the front of the engine. It is the forced air version with the full blower shroud. I also bought new dual carburetor control cables. Parts are readily available. It also will use the JBird Reduction drive.
ITman496January 22, 2020, 5:43pm
How is the auto oiler? Mine uses pre-mix, and a single carb.
LSaupeFebruary 5, 2020, 10:39am
These are also the primary engine used on the Six Chuter single place PPC's. My understanding is that not quite the performance of the Rotax 447, but a reliable mill.
http://www.sixchuter.com/?page_id=56
http://www.sixchuter.com/?page_id=56
The TermiteFebruary 6, 2020, 1:08am
Quoted from LSaupe My understanding is that not quite the performance of the Rotax 447, but a reliable mill.
I was at Oshkosh 2019, and spent a fair amount of time hanging out around the ultralight field & area. More than a few single-seat ultralights use the Kawi 440.
Including Henry Scott's Aerolite 103, which he flew some 720 miles from Warrenton, Virginia, to Oshkosh..........at the age of 14 yrs old.
https://generalaviationnews.com/2019/07/21/flying-into-oshkosh-at-14-in-an-ultralight/
Both Dennis Carley and Andy Humphrey consider the Kawi 440 to be a good choice for single-seaters, if properly set-up and cared for.
toliver66February 20, 2020, 1:05am
Quoted from LSaupe My understanding is that not quite the performance of the Rotax 447, but a reliable mill.
http://www.sixchuter.com/?page_id=56
Hardly relevant since Rotax walked out and left us ultralight folks hangin. Kawasaki got my money. Rotax can go jump off a cliff!
toliver66February 20, 2020, 1:09am
Kawasaki 340
PUFFFebruary 20, 2020, 12:22pm
question: how much was that Kaw? Kaw might be appropriate, since some buzzards go Kaw Kaw Kaw....
bob.hoodFebruary 20, 2020, 2:12pm
And as the crow replied, Har Har Har!!
radfordcFebruary 20, 2020, 2:33pm
Quoted from PUFF question: how much was that Kaw? Kaw might be appropriate, since some buzzards go Kaw Kaw Kaw....
about 3300
https://www.vortechonline.com/engines/
toliver66February 20, 2020, 4:38pm
Quoted from PUFF question: how much was that Kaw? Kaw might be appropriate, since some buzzards go Kaw Kaw Kaw....
$3237 with all the goodies seen here (including prop) from Jbird Engines https://www.j-birdengines.com/
dennisatysonFebruary 21, 2020, 1:50am
That’s not a bad price. I like the construction of that engine and the TBO is way out there.