Heat Exchanger Question

[dlomheim]

I just was wondering if anyone has had much experience with using a Fluidyne heat exchanger like they hang on NASCARs, etc. A guy on our rotary list installed one on his Lancair ES and was quite impressed with the temperature drop in his oil under load while climbing. He seems to have plenty of water cooling so the water / oil exchanger seems to be pulling extra BTU's out of the oil and shedding it via the water radiator. Sounds like a neat way to go, but wondered if anyone on this list has much experience using one...

Doug Lomheim
RV-9A, MAzda 13B, FWF
OK City, OK

[gtmule]

Originally Posted by dlomheim

I just was wondering if anyone has had much experience with using a Fluidyne heat exchanger like they hang on NASCARs, etc. A guy on our rotary list installed one on his Lancair ES and was quite impressed with the temperature drop in his oil under load while climbing. He seems to have plenty of water cooling so the water / oil exchanger seems to be pulling extra BTU's out of the oil and shedding it via the water radiator. Sounds like a neat way to go, but wondered if anyone on this list has much experience using one...

Doug Lomheim
RV-9A, MAzda 13B, FWF
OK City, OK

Seems like it COULD be a good solution. You still have the shed the same total amount of heat, but if you were careful, you'd have one less duct and a good deal less (oil) line.

Of course, if your (water) cooling system is at all marginal, you'll be putting even more load on it!