My very last task for the F/W forward is deciding whether to blank off the open side of the cabin heat box kit from Vans. As per its design, whenever the heat valve is closed (no cabin heat) the air from above the cyl is venting continuously into the lower cowl section. I see two issues with this:
1. This is wasted cooling air that could be normally used for cyl cooling whenever cabin heat isn't used. When cabin heat is used it must be colder outside so the loss in cooling should be marginal and made up for by colder cooling air (in theory).
2. The venting to the lower cowl may equalized the differential pressure between the cooling plenum and the lower cowl further reducing cooling effectiveness.
So...I don't see why fabricating a cover plate for the open side would be a bad idea but for the life of me cannot see what VANs had in mind leaving it open? Any thoughts?
Ken
1. This is wasted cooling air that could be normally used for cyl cooling whenever cabin heat isn't used. When cabin heat is used it must be colder outside so the loss in cooling should be marginal and made up for by colder cooling air (in theory).
2. The venting to the lower cowl may equalized the differential pressure between the cooling plenum and the lower cowl further reducing cooling effectiveness.
So...I don't see why fabricating a cover plate for the open side would be a bad idea but for the life of me cannot see what VANs had in mind leaving it open? Any thoughts?
Ken