Everything in Aus is overpriced when it comes to parts and oil, they wanted $375 for a drive shaft here but $120 in the US. I actually got all my parts from the US at less than the cost of a driveshaft in AUS.
The dealer did say that the seadoo oil was designed for the 787 motor because of the reed valves, you would assume Penrite would not insure their product if it did not exceed specs, i also found the below about the oil used in Rotax engines.
http://qua.org.au/news/2010 newsletters/QUA May 10.pdf.
"Oils aren’t oils, Sol….or are they?
From: Arthur Marcel [mailto:a.marcel@qut.edu.au] Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 5:18 PM To:
penrite@penriteoil.com Subject: Hi-Per 2 Stroke Oil
Dear Penrite technical person,
I would like to know the exact reason you recommend against using Hi-Per 2 stroke oil in Rotax engines. Is it to do with the rotary valves on some Rotaxes or is it simply a legal disclaimer?
Arthur Marcel
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Dear Arthur,
Thank you for your enquiry. Penrite Oil does not make any recommendations for aviation purposes, as our insurance does not cover this application. If you wish to use a two stroke oil in a Rotax engine which is in an aircraft, we recommend that you go to one of the other oil companies (such as Shell) who do have aviation products. I trust this answers your query.
Regards,
Alan Jeffery, Technical Department, Penrite Oil Company
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Many thanks, Alan, for your prompt reply. I take it that you are saying that Penrite recommends against the use of Hi-Per in aircraft due to its insurance arrangements.
Can I ask you just one other question, please? Does Penrite recommend against the use of Hi-Per in land-based Rotax engines such as those used in snowmobiles and water craft?
Arthur Marcel
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Dear Arthur,
Thank you for your email. For Rotax engines in land-based or water craft (e.g. Seadoo jet skis), we recommend the use of Hi-Per Two Stroke Oil or our SIN Two Stroke Oil. Under no circumstances are the Hi-Per Two Stroke Oil, the SIN Two Stroke Oil or any Penrite Oil products to be used in aviation applications.
Regards, Alan Jeffery, Technical Department, Penrite Oil Company
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Editor: I just bought 20 litres of Penrite Hi-Per. I intend to use it in my Rotax 503 Sapphire. The tin cost me $148.26. That’s 7.40 per litre. I got it from Almagamated Pest Control. That’s John McCarron’s business. Graham O’Connor is the production manager there. He’s a good guy to deal with – knows all about ultralights. Bob Burns from the Flying Tigers gave me Graham’s name. Bob has been using Hi-Per in his Rotax 582 Lightwing since new and the motor now has 560 hours on it. It has never been pulled down. He recently tested the bearings with a through-the-plug hole bearing tester and they are fine. With the exhaust off, he can still see the cylinder honing marks.
The argument for hybrid oils is that they combine the high lubricity and wear protection of synthetics with the corrosion protection of mineral oils. I investigated both Penrite Hi-Per and Valvoline Racing. Even though the Valvoline has a higher wear protection rating (ISO-EGD compared to ISO-EGC), the Valvoline company recommends against using their oil in any Rotax motor, airborne or land-based, because of the rotary and RAVE (exhaust) valves used in some motors. However, as you can see from the emails above, Penrite recommends their oil for use in any land-based Rotax. So, add this advice to Bob’s first-hand account, and Hi-Per looks like a pretty good choice. However, it’s up to you. Read those emails carefully before deciding to change oils. Some people advise against ever changing oils.
