Coolant temperatures for a Model 5

[Monocock]

After reading this thread last night I went down to the hardware shop and bought some gaffer tape planning to tape off part of my oil cooler. I decided to fly for 30 mins first to see what temps I was getting (any excuse to fly....).

After about 10 mins at 4800 rpm my oil was 190 and the coolant was 160. Bearing in mind the OAT is 24f this morning I have decided to leave the gaffer tape in the toolbox.

She certainly wanted to climb this morning! 1700 fpm up to 4000 feet

[Dorsal]

Wild,

We have a smooth cowl 7 with the rotax 912ULS (100hp)

Summer oil temp holds 220 to 240 - mostly @ cruising around 220 - 225 - higher on climb out.

When it gets below OAT 45 F I tape over 1/3 to 1/2 of the oil cooler with "500 mph" tape

When it gets below OAT 35 F and stays there I tape over the whole oil cooler and that keeps it around 215 - 230 - I can pretty much leave the oil cooler taped over for 5 months.

The Oil thermostat or adjustable shutter (like cowl flaps for the oil cooler) would be great - but my roll of "500 mph" tape is already paid for and will probably last me 150 years.

Just another thought to throw out - I have a friend with the same engine in another type of experimental - he has an insulating blanket that he wraps around the oil tank in the winter - remember the oil tank is designed to be a radiator for the oil system and it sheds a lot of heat.

Sincerely,

Dave S

Dave,
When you run oil temps ~230 what are you seeing for CHTs?

[Dave S]

Dorsal,

In the summer (avg OAT 75-80F), (oil cooler not covered) if the Oil Temp is running 230, the CHT is normally running 240 - 245, minor power adjustments keep it closer to 240. This is with the waterless coolant.

Additional summer data:
Oil=160.....CHT 200
Oil=170.....CHT 220
Oil=180.....CHT 225-230
Oil= 200....CHT 240

And we have to remember there is variability due to differences between gauges in planes and differences in operating conditions.

DS

[Dorsal]

This is helpful, thanks.

[SkyPirate]

I had to tape up my oil cooler this past week end, I left about 3/4" exposed..temp ran at 190 unless I was climbing OAT was in am 29F degrees..day topped off at 55 F degrees,..140F without the oil cooler taped

[SkyPirate]

a little ingenuity and someone could make one like this..but...the tape is allot easier

[Av8r3400]

Lowell at Highwing used to carry shutters. Maybe he still has something...?

[kitfox2009]

A couple of years ago when I was winter flying I wrapped the oil tank with a battery blanket.
Plugged it in a few hours before flying .I believe it helped with warm up as well.
Don