Geico266
Well Known Member
I made a few adjustments for cold weather, and thought you -12er guys would like to see them.
This little RV-12 pulled that F86 out of the snow bank! Well.... maybe not.
Test Conditions- Outside airtemp was 22-30F. Engine was run between 4800 to 5300 RPM to test different heat loads. 2500 MSL.
Oil Temps - I added a 2 1/2" (measured from center of hole down to edge of plate) oil cooler cover plate. It is held in place by the same #3 bolts that hold the cooler in place. Very simple. Now the temps are around 195 - 210F
Cabin Heat - I added a simple 7 1/2' x 5 1/2" .020 plate to the radiator that you can put in without removing the lower cowling. Simply slip it in between the gasket and the radiator flange. The plate has a 90 bend in it so it cannot slip down any farther. This covers up the top 1/4 of the radiator. Very simple and it works! CHTs are 185- 202F Cabin heat is warm!
Here is the radiator cover prototype. While it did not move in flight, Marty & I thought it would be best to add flanges on the top & sides on the "production model" to keep it from moving.
Here are the completed parts.
Patent Pending
Cabin Sealing - I noted in flight where air was leaking in around the canopy and added weather stripping until it stopped. Do this sparingly, as the weather stripping gets hard in the cold it becomes difficult to close and lock the canopy if you apply too much.
What else have you cold weather RV warriors been doing?
I love flying in cold weather with snow on the ground. No bugs, thick air, you can see wildlife 10 miles away against the snow. Yesterday, I was flying over my secret deer area and saw a heard of whitetails that I conservatively estimated at 250. I have never seen so many deer in one area. These are the "good old days".
This little RV-12 pulled that F86 out of the snow bank! Well.... maybe not.
Test Conditions- Outside airtemp was 22-30F. Engine was run between 4800 to 5300 RPM to test different heat loads. 2500 MSL.
Oil Temps - I added a 2 1/2" (measured from center of hole down to edge of plate) oil cooler cover plate. It is held in place by the same #3 bolts that hold the cooler in place. Very simple. Now the temps are around 195 - 210F
Cabin Heat - I added a simple 7 1/2' x 5 1/2" .020 plate to the radiator that you can put in without removing the lower cowling. Simply slip it in between the gasket and the radiator flange. The plate has a 90 bend in it so it cannot slip down any farther. This covers up the top 1/4 of the radiator. Very simple and it works! CHTs are 185- 202F Cabin heat is warm!
Here is the radiator cover prototype. While it did not move in flight, Marty & I thought it would be best to add flanges on the top & sides on the "production model" to keep it from moving.
Here are the completed parts.
Patent Pending
Cabin Sealing - I noted in flight where air was leaking in around the canopy and added weather stripping until it stopped. Do this sparingly, as the weather stripping gets hard in the cold it becomes difficult to close and lock the canopy if you apply too much.
What else have you cold weather RV warriors been doing?
I love flying in cold weather with snow on the ground. No bugs, thick air, you can see wildlife 10 miles away against the snow. Yesterday, I was flying over my secret deer area and saw a heard of whitetails that I conservatively estimated at 250. I have never seen so many deer in one area. These are the "good old days".
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