No NOT absolute crap at all. One or two of said fellows up here does have many thousands of hours on Rotax 2 strokes, but not the same one! He does his service and overhaul by the book. Funny he never has any problems.
So I stand by what I said.....its not absolute Crap at all.
Running on condition is another matter altogether. I am not sure there is any suitable way of knowing what On Condition is for these engines.
As for many GA a/c, I bet there are plenty that are not so flash in their history too. So its not me singling out anyone in particular.
have a look here, I am not saying the product is crap, because I think its very good for its intended purpose, but the TBO is what it is and the issue about what you can refurb or buy new is strictly controlled by Rotax.
http://www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com/a_engine_582.htm
whats that stamp with 300 there for??
Now go ask about refurbing the crank.
Still they make a great product. Dozens of them flying every weekend at my home field.
J