This information is provided for you
to use in your personal search for an economic power source. Kawasaki
engines have proven themselves to be good motors (in snowmobiles).
They were/are standard equipment on Phantoms, Wizards, etc. Personally
now have over 850 hours flying these motors.
This is a 340 Liquid cooled, oil injected
engine. For people wanting a complete drive pack, Scott Land of
Pops Props sells them for about $2000. He also sells manifolds,
radiators, etc. to help you build a complete package using your
engine. His number is (309) 725-3237.
These are some thrust check stats.
that I got:
340 LC, 2.9 to 1 belt, 70X26 prop- 205 lbs.
at 6800 RPM
340 FA, 2.8 to 1 belt, 68X26 prop- 190 lbs. at 6600 RPM
440A FA 2.9 to 1 belt, 72X32 prop- 225 lbs. at 6600 RPM
The stats. below with a shorter prop.
are ok but not as good as above.
340 LC, 2.6 to 1 belt, 60X28 prop- 165 lbs.
at 6800 RPM
340 FA, 2.6 to 1 belt, 58X26 prop- 155 lbs. at 6600 RPM
440A FA, 2.6 to 1 belt,60X28 prop- 160 lbs. at 6600 RPM
Note: The difference between a 340
and a 440 is piston size, a 340 can be made into a 440.
I ABSOLUTELY do not recommend using
any Propeller Speed Reduction Unit(PSRU) that uses a 2.0 to 1 reduction.
This sets up harmonics that are dangerous. Several failures have
been recorded. I also do not recommend the 440B which is 48 hp but
cannot be cruised between 5500 and 6000 RPM.
As shown above the best performance
comes when using a longer prop.
How do these engines compare?
Rotax 277, 2.58 to 1 gearbox, 60X28 prop-160
lbs. at 6800 RPM
Rotax 503, 2.58 to 1 gearbox, 64X34 prop-200 lbs. at 6800 RPM
Rotax 503, 2.9 to 1 belt, 72X38 prop-260 lbs. at 6800 RPM
Most people who are dissatisfied with
Kawasaki engine packs are swinging short props with something below
a 2.6 to 1 ratio. Much time and money has gone into the short evaluation
above but it proves that once set up properly the 340 can't be beat
for the money invested.
Reductions units can be bought for
these motors from:
Scott, J-Bird....(414) 626-2611
Clark Aero......(814) 563-3347
Pops Props......(309)725-3237
Jim Cooper in South Dakota is using
a LAPS gearbox, he has over 40 hours to date. Jim can be reached
at (605) 692-9858. To order this gearbox contact LAPS (708) 683-4099.
I hope that this information helps
you in keeping your engine package affordable.
