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Re: cabin heat again
I do not have a valve in the heater core line. I didn't in my old plane either. It wasn't necessary. I do have one of Lowell's in line thermostats to the belly radiator on the Mangy, though. This does help in diverting more heat to the core than without.
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Re: cabin heat again
I can't think of any Kitfoxs that I fly with here in Arizona that have a shut off valve on the heater core. I know I'm not installing one in mine. Not sure we would notice a little extra heat on a 110 degree day anyway. ;)
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Re: cabin heat again
HI Jan,
I don't know that it is necessary to try to divert more coolant to the heater.....with the standard setup for our S7...we stay quite comfy in the cabin flying in temps of -15 to -20 C. We do not fly in temps colder than -25 C.
I started out with a shutoff valve to close off the heater in the summer but found that my experience was similar to others who have reported that without a shutoff valve very little heat comes through to the cabin with the fans off...I eventually removed the valve in favor of simplicity and a very small weight reduction.
I can see where a valve which can regulate the water flow would help controlling the cabin temp in those in-between temps as full heat is way too much.
I think the biggest issue in maintaining a comfortable cabin temp in very cold weather is minimizing the number of "pneumonia holes" or cabin leaks.....the current Kitfox model is much easier to tighten up than the earlier versions.
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Re: cabin heat again
Dave S is right , its the air leaks around the cockpit that get you.
The standard kf heater kit for my 5 keeps me warm at -20C
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Re: cabin heat again
Just as a comparison; the heater core in your car is very similar in size to the standard Kitfox heater core, and the coolant temp flowing thru it is also roughly the same temp. Your car stays warm in very cold temps but the car cabin volume is much bigger than a Kitfox cockpit. I agree the heater is fine, the main problems are the leaks and drafts. The slots and openings in the tail for the stab trim are major scoops of cold air that then blows forward on the back of your neck. Seal these up with some flexible rubber like Floog did and its like doubling your heater size.
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Re: cabin heat again
Colospace, please post the info on the valve shown in the 3rd picture. Mainly where to get one and size of ports
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Re: cabin heat again
First, I have to give credit to John Evens for finding this valve. It is from Peterson Fluid Systems (Henderson, CO). My build log just notes it as being -8, push-on. Check their web site petersonfluidsys.com