Heater core fittings, size ?

[kmach]

Hi all,
I have a model 5 that has a kitfox factory heater kit in it.

I am trying to find out what size/ type of fitting the barb is ? , that attaches to the heater rad and goes thru the firewall.

I can only see hose and firewall blanket with it hooked up right now.

I am going to install a cockpit controlled shutoff for the heater and will require to put a 90 degree elbow on the heater rad at the firewall exit. I would like to have all my fittings and supplies on hand before I drain the coolant and change all the hoses and such.

Thanks

[jamesmil]

the heater kit that we got from kitfox for our model 7 used 5/8 id hose. we also used a thermostat kit from "highwing" that works very well, along with that we installed a 3/4 ball valve in line and a push pull cable from "mcfarland" and a 3 position fan switch.hope this helps

[kmach]

Hi thanks,

do you know if the barb fittings on the heater core were female AN ? I would think they would be.

The T's into the 1'' rad hose have 5/8 " barbs for the hose going to the heater barb on my setup , but for some reason the person who built the plane used 1/2" hose to the heater. It has been working but is stretched over the T fitting barbs.

I am doing this as part of the rotax 5 year rubber replacement recommendation , along with all the other coolant hoses, fuel lines, o-rings....

[jiott]

The SS7 heater kit from Kitfox now comes with 1/2" hoses. They also supply the tee fittings with 1/2" barbs.

Jim

[jamesmil]

kmach, as i recall our heater kit had 2 - 1/2x5/8 hose reducers with it. you might call kitfox to get them.

[jiott]

You don't need reducers. Kitfox has 1"x 1/2" tee fittings. I got some from them just recently.

Jim

[kmach]

Hi all,

After some thought and a look at the heater setup from the cockpit side, I can fit a 7/8" wrench over the fittings that go onto the heater rad , so I think that equates to AN-8 fittings. (looks to be a straight an-8 barb thru the firewall)

The T's into the 1" rad line could be 1/2" , they don't have enough barb showing to get a caliper on, but the 1/2" hose on them does not appear to be "stretched" at the barb bulge.

I have an automotive turn cock shutoff ( requires cowl off to turn)that definitely has 5/8" barbs and the bulge on the barbs in very noticeable.

Thankyou all for the replies and giving me ideas to sort this out without taking things apart.

[kitfox2009]

Hi Kevin
I have an automotive type flow valve mounted on the engine side of the firewall with a cable/ push pull knob on the panel. This allows you to adjust the water flow and control the heat much better than a ground adjustable valve. I am not being a smart ass here but maybe in Sask you just open it up in October and shut off next May!!!(sorry).
Cheers
Don

[kmach]

Hi Kevin
I have an automotive type flow valve mounted on the engine side of the firewall with a cable/ push pull knob on the panel. This allows you to adjust the water flow and control the heat much better than a ground adjustable valve. I am not being a smart ass here but maybe in Sask you just open it up in October and shut off next May!!!(sorry).
Cheers
Don

Hi Don,
October to May, that's pretty much what I have been doing.

I am going to install a cockpit push /pull and shutoff you described when I switch out all the coolant hoses.

Got any pics of your shutoff install firewall forward ?

[Dorsal]

That's what I do with mine, on around October, off in May. When I do use it the two fan speeds work pretty well. I can open and close the valve through the oil door if I find conditions to be cooler than I thought