Rotax - Cold Weather Ops

[Flocker]

With colder temperatures right around the corner I thought it would be a good time to start the conversation.  What precautions do you take during the cold weather months?

[mackattack]

Move to Houston, Texas and sub-lease part of my hangar??? Just kidding of course but great topic ... thanks!

[John Crone]

I use tape to partially restrict flow through both radiators - about 6 inches of 2 inch tape.
If its black you can hardly see it.

[ChrisConnor]

I usually cover most of the oil cooler with tape. It works, for the most part, to maintain acceptable temps. Sometimes barely, but I can usually get them into the green.

[Cluemeister]

what is a typical cold day in winter where you live?

[John Crone]

10-15 C but I also visit the South Island where it gets colder by another 5 C.
Worst problem is warming up - it take a long time to get oil temp to 50 C.
I was also told that you really need to get the oil temp over 90 C in cruise flight.
Sorry about units - time you guys converted!

[ChrisConnor]

Typical COLD day is about -5ºC. Winter in general is -7ºC-0ºC (20ºF-32ºF). Can get as cold as -18ºC. We generally don't fly if it's <-7ºC.

[jetcat3]

For us carbureted engine folk. Do any of y'all have carb heat levers on your Tecnam aircraft? How likely is carb ice on a Rotax 912/914 engine? I know both carbs on top of the engine help reducing the chance, but what's the scoop? Thanks!

[mackattack]

A couple quick things:

1. I actually keep my engine readings in degrees C - because 50 is easier to keep track of! So this Yank is ahead of the curve ... *laughing*

2. the 914 engines do not have carb heat controls because the waste heat from the turbo is ducted directly into the carburetor, keeping it toasty all the time. The 912iS, of course, doesn't have a carb. The new 915iS will have an intercooler and no carb. So ... it's only the 912 ULS and 912S (certified version) that have carb heat, which would mean a lot of the P92s and 2002s flying have them, but not too many P2008s and Astores (at least in the US). But there are some, according to the FAA data, particularly the early model 2008s delivered here were delivered with 912ULS engines.

Cheers

[jetcat3]

If the turbo goes out on the 914, does it become a regular 912 UL without carb heat controls?

[MarkGregor]

Yes the 914 should perform like the 80 hp 912 when the turbo is not working.

If the turbo fails (and it's only the turbo) you should be able to get to the next airport to land.
It would be difficult to take off with the turbo non operational.

Mark

[cole505]

Hi Guys,

Come to Las Vegas ...... That way you have no cold weather issues ( still have to do a small warm up always ) .... All of my concerns are geared toward cooling as much as possible........🐾✈️😎👍🏻🇺🇸✈️✈️✈️

[mackattack]

Hey Cole ... I've been snowed on in Las Vegas before ... Just sayin' ... *laughing* But I agree sub-freezing temps are definitely the exception; same for us in Houston...

[helen]

Tape over part of the radiator and oil cooler and stuff a lightbulb up into the engine while blocking the air inlets when the bird is sitting.

[Flocker]

Sept 7, 2016 19:46:54 GMT helen said:

Tape over part of the radiator and oil cooler and stuff a lightbulb up into the engine while blocking the air inlets when the bird is sitting.

I guess it depends on the OAT, but what percentage of coverage are we talking about?