Before I go set up the instrumentation, I thought to ask if anyone has done any measurement of temperatures in the cowling volume behind the engine? If so, could you post the values you measured, along with the ground/flight conditions and the location of the sensor(s)?
Reason: I am thinking to implement an automatic "reverse cowl flap", i.e. a flap that would block off some of the cowling exit area until temps come up to some desired level. My -8 is very slow to warm up on colder days. I already have winter inlet restrictors (remove 8 in²/side) in place.
Background Info: Older air-cooled Volkswagens had a cowl flap that was mechanically actuated by a thermostatic bellows. The flap stayed closed until a "warm" under-cowl temp was reached, and then the bellows automatically opened the flap to keep the engine cool. These bellows are available in different opening temp ranges of 70°/80°90° C, and are available in both fail-open and fail-closed models. (thermostatic actuators)
I am also, of course, looking at manual activation via simple Bowden cable, which might end being the better, but less spiffy, option. Might offer more exact control in descents, too?
Andy
Reason: I am thinking to implement an automatic "reverse cowl flap", i.e. a flap that would block off some of the cowling exit area until temps come up to some desired level. My -8 is very slow to warm up on colder days. I already have winter inlet restrictors (remove 8 in²/side) in place.
Background Info: Older air-cooled Volkswagens had a cowl flap that was mechanically actuated by a thermostatic bellows. The flap stayed closed until a "warm" under-cowl temp was reached, and then the bellows automatically opened the flap to keep the engine cool. These bellows are available in different opening temp ranges of 70°/80°90° C, and are available in both fail-open and fail-closed models. (thermostatic actuators)
I am also, of course, looking at manual activation via simple Bowden cable, which might end being the better, but less spiffy, option. Might offer more exact control in descents, too?
Andy