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rotax 2-stroke frequently asked questions

277, 377, 447, 503, 532, 582 and 618 Engines

what oil should I use?

spark plugs & plug gaps

All information provided here is correct at the time of publishing to the best of our knowledge, but Rotax recommendations may change at any time without our knowledge.  It is the engine owners responsibility to ensure that the engine is fit for flight at all times.  The information is provided here free of charge and with no obligation from us to the consumer.  To ensure that you have the correct and most up to date information, you should refer to the current Installation, Operators and Maintenance manuals for your engine.

what fuel should I use?

The engines are designed to run on 1:50 (2%) oil:gasoline mixture unless fitted with an oil injection system.

European standard: min RON 90 (EN228 Regular, EN228 Premium, EN228 Premium Plus) or AVGAS 100 LL.  Due to higher lead content in AVGAS, the wear and deposits in the combustion chamber will increase.  Therefore only use AVGAS if you encounter problems with vapour locks or if other fuel types are not available.

what oil should I use?

All Rotax 2-strokes (277, 377, 447, 503, 532, 582, 618) Oil for premix, oil injection system and cross shaft reservoir:

Super two-stroke oil ASTM / CEC standards, API-TC classification (suitable oils include Shell VSX2 or Castrol R2 or Castrol TTS) click here to buy.  2% oil, 50:1 fuel to oil ratio.

A, B, C and E Type Gearbox: Gear Oil  API-GL5 or GL6, SAE 140 EP or 85W – 140 EP.  Use approximately 300ml gearbox oil for Rotax 2-stroke engines (suitable oils include Shell Spirax).

what coolant should I use?

For liquid cooled 2-Stroke engines Rotax specify a mixture of 50% antifreeze concentrate (with additives against corrosion) and 50% pure water, or use of an equivalent premixed coolant.  They say that satisfactory results can be achieved using BASF Glysantin Anticorrosion or an equivalent coolant.  In all cases antifreeze to water rations must not exceed the coolant manufacturers specifications.

wiring diagrams

503, 447, 582

The wiring diagram is in the Installation manual for the engine which can be downloaded from the Documentation page at www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com

Out of production Rotax Engines 377, 503 points, 447 points , 532, 618

377 wiring diagram - available to download soon

447 points ignition wiring diagram - available to download soon

503 points ignition wiring diagram - available to download soon

532 wiring diagram - available to download soon

618 wiring diagram - available to download soon

plug gaps

tightening torques

what is the difference between a 582’90 engine and a 582’99 engine?

There were several modifications during the production time of the 582’90 models, all of which are incorporated on 582’99 models, but may not be on early 582’90 models.  These include:

●  Introduction of a hydrodamper

●  Increase in size of big end bearings

●  Minor changes to pistons

The 582’99 model incorporates all of these changes, and additionally has an improved cooling system with a thermostat fitted as standard.  It also has a modified cross-shaft sealing arrangement.

Most of the major components are interchangeable between the two models, with the exception of the following items:

●  Rotary disk valve & cross-shaft seals

●  Cylinder head

●  Coil mounting plate

In terms of operation and reliability, there is not much difference between the two models of engine, excepting that the early model went out of production in 1998, and therefore all 582’90 model engines are now at least 10 years old.  You can easily identify the engines because the 582’90 model engine has a silver cylinder head and the 582’99 model has a blue cylinder head, although we have seen some early engines painted to look like the newer model.

Engine versions:

High Power 582’90 = 65hp at 6500rpm

Low Noise 582’90 = 54hp at 5800 rpm

High Power 582’99 = 65hp at 6500rpm

Low  Noise 582’99 not available as standard

Serial production model 582’99 engines are from serial number 5305902.

what fuel should I use?

what coolant should I use?

wiring diagrams

tightening torques

what is the difference between a 582’90 engine and a 582’99 engine?

These tightening torques are standard unless otherwise specified in Rotax manuals or parts lists.  Refer to manuals and parts lists for correct tightening torques for specific components.

All Rotax 2-stroke engines use BR8ES spark plugs (part number 897055) or B8ES spark plugs (part number 897050)