New ROTAX Service Instruction Release: Introduction of Sodium-Filled Exhaust Valves and New Cylinder Heads for ROTAX® Aircraft Engine Types 912 and 912 i (Series)

Dear Valued ROTAX OWNER subscribers

We are reaching out to inform you of an important update detailed in the newly released Service Instruction SI-912-038 & SI-912 i-035, applicable to ROTAX Aircraft Engine types 912 and 912 i (Series).

What's this about?

BRP ROTAX has introduced sodium-filled exhaust valves and new cylinder heads designed to enhance the performance, durability, and standardization of ROTAX 912 and 912 i series engines. This update is detailed in the latest service instruction, which includes new technical and retrofit information for specified engine serial numbers.


How Does This Affect Me?

If you own, operate, or maintain a ROTAX 912 or 912 i series engine, you'll need to check if your engine's serial number is listed in the service instruction. If your engine's serial number is higher than those detailed in section 1.1, it has already been fitted with the new sodium-filled exhaust valves and cylinder heads and is not impacted by this update. Retrofitting older engines with these new components is not mandatory. However, the new sodium-filled exhaust valves and cylinder heads can be installed individually as needed, allowing for flexible integration with existing engine components.


What Should I Do About It?

• Verify Engine Serial Number: Check the service instruction to determine if your engine already includes the new sodium-filled exhaust valves and cylinder heads. 

• Consider Your Options: Evaluate whether upgrading to the new components aligns with your engine’s current maintenance, repair or overhaul plans and desired performance needs and operational requirements. Upgrading is not mandatory unless certain specific repairs involving your old style cylinder heads is required (see SI for more information). 

• Contact an Authorized Service Center: For professional advice or to arrange for upgrades, reach out to a ROTAX Authorized Distributor or Service Center. 

Who Can Perform the Work?

Upgrades and inspections related to the new sodium-filled exhaust valves and cylinder heads must be carried out by technicians who are specifically trained and certified by ROTAX. This ensures that all procedures adhere strictly to the service instructions and maintain high standards of quality and safety.

• ROTAX Authorized Distributors or Independent Service Centers: These facilities are equipped and authorized to handle upgrades and inspections. 

• Certified iRMT Technicians: Only technicians who have undergone specific training and certification for ROTAX engine types covered by the service instruction are qualified to perform the work. 

Support and Resources

To locate a ROTAX distributor, independent service center, or iRMT near you, visit the ROTAX Dealer Locator by selecting the Find Service tab at this link: https://www.rotax-owner.com/en/support-topmenu

Thank you for taking the time to review this important update.

Kind regards,

The ROTAX-Owner Team

To access both the Non-certified and Certified Service Instruction, click on the link below:

SI-LINK

We have opened a topic on the Rotax-Owner forum in case anyone has any questions after reading the Service Instruction.
You can access the forum topic at this link here – Introduction of Sodium-Filled Exhaust Valves and New Cylinder Heads for ROTAX® Aircraft Engine Types 912 and 912 i (Series)