? buying a gyro

[tx_swordguy]

I am new to gyros and getting ready to solo shortly so I am looking for a gyro of my own. I am going to look at a gyro that is supposed to be low time (hr meter shows 6 hrs , but he suspects more) , The owner seems straight forward and is telling me what he knows of the machine. He states that it has not been started nor flown in the last 15 months. It was not prepped for storage in any way just stored in a big city storage building that has not had any moisture problems to his knowledge. I am fairly mechanically inclined and understand I will probably need to at least reseal the engine and look at the carb boots for cracks etc. My question is should I be afraid of the engine for being in storage and not being run? It is a rotax 503. Thanks Mark

[Mike484]

Who did you take training from?

[scottessex]

Pictures? Pictures will help greatly. Even though there were no known moisture issues, what is your yearly local humidity like?
You will need some special tools to access the seals.

[cburg]

What kind of 2-cycle oil was he using. Synthetic would be undesirable in this particular case. AV2 or other petroleum based oil (or combo) would better protect the internal parts from corrosion. I’ve stored mine (532, 503, 447, 277) that long…and knock on wood…They’ve run OK. I work out of the country for years at a time.

However, where I live now, on the Gulf… everything corrodes…really fast.

Also, did he run the bowls dry before storing it. It helps.


Who knows?

[tx_swordguy]

It's pretty dry most of the yr, winters can be damp. I will find out what oil he used. Not worried about carbs I can clean/work on them. So it's a crap shoot? Or does anyone have anymore experience good or bad

[Redbaron]

What kind of gyro is it? Got any pictures? Some airframe layouts could be hazardous to your health.

[WHY]

I would echo a little bit of what "Redbaron" says, some of these "good ole gyro bargains" that have been in a garage or a barn for several years are there because they were widowmakers looking for a victim. Some of these older gyros have the design features that made the VERY DANGEROUS for the novice.

Tony

[tx_swordguy]

The gyro in question is Dominator ultra white 5yrs old. not concerned about the design or build because it is supposed to be built by RFD in 07. My question was concerning the engine having sat for 15 mo without use and whether it should be a major concern over and above a simple tune up to get it running properly again.

[Master Roda]

It sounds to me that you already know what to look for. The 503 is a great little engine if it's loved.
Inspect the bore. It should have a nice crosshatch with very little carbon build up. Inspection cameras are cheap. about a 100 bucks from harbor freight or similar. Perform a compression check...etc,etc
Change the plugs and flush the fuel system. If it has a primer bulb replace it.

I think you'll be just fine with it.

[perbgyro]

If it was stored...
*With the exhaust plugged
*air filtered covered
*use of Amsoil Interceptor or 2 cycle oil with a mineral content (i.e. not pure synthetic)
*rotary valve oil tank not empty
That should be ok
To make sure, pull the exhaust manifold and inspect the rings and cylinder walls.
After that, start it and make sure it runs and check all the guages.
How many hours are on the engine?

[perbgyro]

Your're also an hour and a half from Olney. Have you attended a PRA chapter 78 meeting?