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RV12 Avionics Fans

jmiller007

Well Known Member
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Hey folks - when do the cooling fans come on in the avionics bay? Should they be on all the time? Because if they are - mine aren't on when my power is applied.

Curious if they are temperature driven or always on.

Thanks!
 
Hey folks - when do the cooling fans come on in the avionics bay? Should they be on all the time? Because if they are - mine aren't on when my power is applied.

Curious if they are temperature driven or always on.

Thanks!
Mine (12iS) are always on.
 
Hey folks - when do the cooling fans come on in the avionics bay? Should they be on all the time? Because if they are - mine aren't on when my power is applied.

Curious if they are temperature driven or always on.

Thanks!
Come on with the master switch.
 
On a related note, I suggest checking the blades of these fans occasionally (at annual and anytime you've got the bay open). One of mine, on the pilot side, shed a few of it's blades over time. Found on cockpit floor and within the avionics bay. The replacement fan is holding up so far.
 
The fan mounting screws should NOT be used for grounding the motor. Plastic does not conduct electricity very well.
Plastic is softer than metal. Plastic can wear away, allowing the electrical connection to loosen.
 
The avionics bay fans (one in/one out) in the legacy RV-12 are wired through the Fuel Pump fuse. If you pull that fuse to silence the fuel pump while you're working with the avionics, the fans don't run. This is confirmed in the RV-12 Electrical System drawing. There is a separate fan in the AV-50000 that does run.
 
That fuel pump fuse will get you! ;-)

I am encouraged that Vans seems to be getting better on having stock and shipping in a timely manner.

But if you get in a bind and they are out of stock, their part "ES-CPU FAN" is an Orion Fans model OD8025-12HSS. It is available from reputable electronics suppliers. You will need an insulated male crimp spade connector (power) and a crimp ring connector (for the ground).
Left fan blows down and right fan blows upward.

Install is in section 31B_12
 
Fascinating about the fuel pump fuse. Hmmmm....now I'm wondering if when I checked it, I had that fuse pulled? Quick trip to the hangar to check. Had the cover off as I'm still dealing with the autopilot nightmare - whoever built this plane decided that the 9-pin 3-wire connector for updates was optional, apparently.
 
That 9-pin Dsub connector should be found under the front tunnel cover on the D-180 equipped aircraft.

IMG_4199.JPG
 
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