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  #21  
Old 12-23-2012, 08:31 PM
Peterk Peterk is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,378
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Quote:
Originally Posted by newamiga View Post
Guys I figure I will ask this thread since it appears to be related.. how cold is too cold to fly? I don't mean being comfortable in the cockpit but rather for the Rotax and the carbs. I ask this because a friend and CFI was flying a Rotax powered low wing two winters ago. She took off when it was about -5 ambient temp in Denver. The wind chill dropped it below that. She took off, went once around the pattern and did a low approach over the runway. A bit more than halfway down the runway the engine quit. She was able to get it onto the runway and stopped. The A&P suggested that the severe cold weather contributed to the carbs inability to properly operate. There was no other mechanical issue found.

Not trying to derail the discussion but I am curious how cold others are flying their RV-12's? Living here in CO, we get our share of colder days. I like the rest of you love to fly in the colder air in the winter in my Rotax powered Gobosh while trying to endure the temps to continue the build.

Carl

Per the Rotax manual....Max (120F Ambient) Min (-13F Oil Temp)...start or operate. I only know because our ambient can get near the 120 on those rare occasions.

Pete
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  #22  
Old 12-24-2012, 07:23 AM
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Geico266 Geico266 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Huskerland, USA
Posts: 5,862
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I've flown the -12 at -7f, but that is after preheating the engine and oil to 40F. I preheat below 30f. There is plenty of warm air from the radiator, oil cooler, exhaust system to keep inside the cowel area warm. Remember, the air intake is on the back of the engine so it is getting "warm" air.
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RV-7 : In the hangar
RV-10 : In the hangar
RV-12 : Built and sold
RV-44 : 4 place helicopter on order.

Last edited by Geico266 : 12-24-2012 at 07:47 AM.
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  #23  
Old 12-25-2012, 04:40 PM
RGaines RGaines is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Novato, CA
Posts: 151
Default Heater temp

Thanks. That helps a lot. I am just finishing the Service Bulletin and doing a condition inspection at the same time. We are including a number of mods at the same time. Moeller fuel gauge, heater baffle, oil cooler moved forward, AOA, vernier throttle, and baggage compartment bulkhead mod.

Richard
120002
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  #24  
Old 12-25-2012, 06:17 PM
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Dvalcik Dvalcik is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Ellsworth, ME
Posts: 842
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RGaines View Post
Thanks. That helps a lot. I am just finishing the Service Bulletin and doing a condition inspection at the same time. We are including a number of mods at the same time. Moeller fuel gauge, heater baffle, oil cooler moved forward, AOA, vernier throttle, and baggage compartment bulkhead mod.

Richard
120002
Your going to love the vernier throttle - I did all of the mods you did as I built. I went EAB from the start, but the throttle is great & so smooth!

Enjoy it.
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EAA 1250 KPTW
Royersford, PA
david@rv12pilot.com
2020 VAF Supporter


RV12 #568 EAB
* Started 9/30/2011
* 1st flight 8/30/12


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https://www.youtube.com/user/dvalcik
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  #25  
Old 12-26-2012, 02:52 PM
JBPILOT JBPILOT is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Jesup, Iowa
Posts: 1,658
Default CURRENT REPORT - -

Just got home from flying. Shoveled a foot of crusty snow away from the door. The airport does good, but can't get closer than a foot or two. Was ( -6C ) on the surface, and ( -10C ) at 3500'. Brought the CHT's up to 210 degrees with my Heater Damper Door. Was very confortable. TOTAL overcast, so only the heater was warming things. Could see for miles, but no sun !

John Bender
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  #26  
Old 12-26-2012, 03:19 PM
the_other_dougreeves the_other_dougreeves is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Dallas, TX (ADS)
Posts: 2,180
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geico266 View Post
I've flown the -12 at -7f, but that is after preheating the engine and oil to 40F. I preheat below 30f.
Preheat is important for the 912 series. It is also quite easy to do. A pair of hot pads on the block and oil tank is cheap and easy, and will probably help get you to / beyond TBO. There are other systems that work better at preheating, but cost more.

TODR
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CTSW N621CT - SOLD but not forgotten
Home Bases LBX, BZN
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  #27  
Old 12-26-2012, 07:32 PM
JBPILOT JBPILOT is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Jesup, Iowa
Posts: 1,658
Default I use the - -

Reiff pre-heat ( about $225 I think ), and it works great. I keep it plugged in all the time, and cover the nose with a packing blanket. If I turn on the display, the ENTIRE engine is 90 - 95 degrees. No warm up time required. Just taxi and go.

John Bender
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  #28  
Old 12-26-2012, 07:41 PM
Dave12 Dave12 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Elkton, Md.
Posts: 1,654
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The Reiff rules! I recently started using the Pilot Portraits Cellphone switcher. I call the PP switcher a few hours before I fly and it all works great. Saves a lot of fuel on warm up.
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N588DF RV12 #336 built, sold and alive and well in New York
N73DF RV12 #244 built, sold and alive and well in Florida
N91 RV RV9 I wish I could say I built this one! Mark Santoleri hit the ball out of the park on this gem.
Currently restoring a 1978 Citabria GCBC
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  #29  
Old 12-26-2012, 07:48 PM
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Geico266 Geico266 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Huskerland, USA
Posts: 5,862
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I use the Geiger Pre heater.




Works great, cheap, adds no weight.
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RV-7 : In the hangar
RV-10 : In the hangar
RV-12 : Built and sold
RV-44 : 4 place helicopter on order.
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