Kawasaki engines

[rogerdodger]

Has anyone or know anyone who uses Kawi engines?
I read a report (there was no name) about comparison of the Kawi 440A to the Rotax 447. After getting the right prop He said it had 283 lbs of thurst which was more than the 447. And that the Honeybee that it was on, flew like an Angel. (He didnt say like a homesick angel just like an angel)
The Kawi is lighter and less expensive than the 447. But I didnt understand his last sentence. He said from one test pilot to another, your life is not worth risking for the few real benefits tha Kaw 440 provides. ??
All the Kawi engines I have seen on all sorts of equipment are tops.
What are your thoughts on a 440 liquid cool, 60hp, 60 lbs for $1,990 from Vortec? Mounted on a GyroBee.
Thanks

 

[jsligar1]

I had a 440 on a CGS Hawk F/W, it worked great, no trouble. You might check out JBird on their price.
Fly Safe and Happy Holidays,

 

[GyroRon]

How much do you weight? the 440 doesn't make as much power as the 447.... If your light enough it might work for you, but if your heavy you will find it to be not enough power

 

[Friendly]

How much do you weight? the 440 doesn't make as much power as the 447.... If your light enough it might work for you, but if your heavy you will find it to be not enough power

Ron,
What do you base that statement on?
I think if Roger was flying my KB4 , I would add bricks to his shorts to keep him in the seat. He maybe 170#

 

[Friendly]

I had a 440 on a CGS Hawk F/W, it worked great, no trouble. You might check out JBird on their price.
Fly Safe and Happy Holidays,

John,
What HP and how many trouble free hours ?

 

[jsligar1]

Mark,
It was on the plane with unkown hours when I got it. I put about 120 hours
on. I got a good deal on a complete 503 for $500, so change it out. The 440
was trouble free and I think it was aroung 40 hp, but not sure, it could have
moore.
Fly Safe,

 

[GyroRon]

the 440 is 35 hp

 

[rogerdodger]

Kawi 440

Kawi 440

Thanks for the replies.
I weigh 170 +or- , but you can figure on the plus side this time of the year.

440-A is 43hp
440-B is 48hp
440-c is 55hp
440 liquid cool is 60hp

hey mark

 

[GyroRon]

I can tell you that no matter what it is rated at, the Kawasaki engines do not put out as much power at the Rotax 447. I have owned a plane with a 440 and it had far less grunt than the same model plane with a 447.

 

[MrGrey]

in my limited experience on gyroplanes I would not put anything less than a 503 on a machine. i respect the ingenuity others have on alternative engines but I think that you are safer with engines that are proven and are relatively inexpensive. Ron is correct in his analysis with a 447 comparison. If you plan on flying in the summer with higher density altitudes then please just get a 503, forget about the worrying and know that you will have good performance year round

 

[Friendly]

Thanks for the replies.

hey mark

Hey Roger!
I will be glad when you get your motor, those PPC's are starting to out number me.

 

[jsligar1]

Although the 440 is rated at 43 hp or more depending on the model, I would tend to agree with Ron on the 503. Check out www.ultralightnews.com/engineinfo/kawvs447.htm
Fly Safe,

 

[rogerdodger]

Although the 440 is rated at 43 hp or more depending on the model, I would tend to agree with Ron on the 503. Check out www.ultralightnews.com/engineinfo/kawvs447.htm
Fly Safe,

This is what got me to thinking about the Kawi engine. The Auther of the article stated at the end, When He put a 66" two blade prop on the engine, the thrust problem was taken care of. This produced 283# of thrust which is greater than the Rotax 447's. And this was with the 440A @ 43hp. I was thinking, just thinking that surely the 440c rated @ 60hp would have plenty thrust to push a gyrobee. ?

 

[brett s]

The general consensus seems to be the Kawasaki engines just don't make the hp they are supposed to - a Rotax 447 with a 66" prop would do even better, with supposedly less power.

That's fine if you don't *need* the rated power, just remember that.

 

[rogerdodger]

Kawasaki Engine

Kawasaki Engine

Thanks guys,

I surely appreciate the replies and thoughts on the Kawai engine. I think I am going to get the 440-c, the 60hp liquid cool one, for my Bee. I let you all know the outcome.

thanks again

 

[Fl90]

Yes, keep us posted. I love playing with alternates.

Phil.

 

[GyroRon]

Thanks guys,

I surely appreciate the replies and thoughts on the Kawai engine. I think I am going to get the 440-c, the 60hp liquid cool one, for my Bee. I let you all know the outcome.

thanks again

I have no experience with that version of the 440. You may end up with a good engine, I have no idea. Good luck

 

[Ron E]

Thanks guys,

I surely appreciate the replies and thoughts on the Kawai engine. I think I am going to get the 440-c, the 60hp liquid cool one, for my Bee. I let you all know the outcome.

thanks again

Try this site for ideas, engine options and belt drives:

https://www.j-birdengines.com/

.

 

[rogerdodger]

Thanks for web site to J-Bird. I talked to Him and I will be getting A Kawasaki Engine in Feb. When He gets back from a fly-in and vacation.