Winterize RV-12

[RV12Pilot]

I’m a new owner of RV-12. What do y’all do during the winter months for/to your -12. Mine is in a hangar. TIA

 

[DBRuth]

Winter Ops

I just fly mine . You should have some type of antifreeze/ coolant in the radiator. The sport plus oil is good to a low temperature range that rarely occurs in our part of the world. Drain the gas out, if you use mogas, if it gets over a month old. With some blockoffs on the oil cooler and radiator you can keep some cockpit heat going and oil temp up during the colder flights.

 

[RV12Pilot]

Thank you.

 

[jrtens]

Blocking off the oil cooler and radiator doesn't have to be elaborate.
Just put some heat tape on there and adjust the amount to get the temperatures that you want.

 

[rvbuilder2002]

One option is to reference Notification 17-03-01 on our web site. It describes using the Winterization Kit that is available from us (details below) which allow for quick (ground) adjustment which is helpful in changing conditions (very common from one day to the next in our part of the world)

COLD TEMP BAFFLES, N 17-03-01
12 WINTERIZATION KIT ULS
$33.00

 

[MVPILOT]

Antifreeze Type

My coolabt level seems quite low below the band on my 2020 RV-12 iS . I have some Napa Orange Prediluted antifreeze says it meets ASTM D3306 and ASTM D4985... Is this OK for the Rotax 912 iS?

 

[rcarsey]

My coolabt level seems quite low below the band on my 2020 RV-12 iS . I have some Napa Orange Prediluted antifreeze says it meets ASTM D3306 and ASTM D4985... Is this OK for the Rotax 912 iS?

I believe it is fine. I think I found what you have on the NAPA website. It is "dexcool compatible".. Rotax recommends "Coolant should be a low silicate and nitrite free formula" -- that may be hard to determine based on published information from the various manufacturers. However, in their latest Service Instruction (SI-912i-001-R8), they recommend:

1. BASF® Glysantin Protect Plus/G48
2. OMV® OMV Coolant Plus
3. PETROL® Antifreeze Concentrate / Antifreeze G 11
4. PRESTONE® DEX-COOL extended life
5. PRESTONE® 50/50 pre-diluted DEX-COOL extended life
6. SHELL® ShellZone DEX-COOL Extended life
7. SHELL® Antifreeze Concentrate
8. TEXACO® Havoline Extended Life Antifreeze
9. VELVANA® FRIDEX G49
10. YACCO® LR-35

 

[Frostbite023]

Any specific type of heat tape I should buy for partially covering the radiator? Is this appropriate?

Thermo-Tec Thermo Shield Adhesive Backed Composite Tape 1-1/2 X 15 Ft Roll | Aircraft Spruce ®

Thermo-Tec Thermo Shield Adhesive Backed Composite Tape 1-1/2 X 15 Ft Roll Thermo-Shield protects hoses and wires from radiant heat. Thermo-Shield is used in applications where it is difficult or not practical to disconnect one end of the h

www.aircraftspruce.com

I fly at 10,500/11,500 regularly out here to clear the mountains comfortably and temps were well below freezing during my last flight and my temps never quite reached the green arc (which I'm assuming is desired).

Also, is this pretty much trial and error for the tape method? Thinking I will start with one strip and go from there.

 

[Bob Y]

HVAC foil tape from any home-improvement store works just fine. And yes, it’s trial and error, depending on temperature.

You may want to consider installing an oil thermostat.

 

[Amadeus]

Any specific type of heat tape I should buy for partially covering the radiator? Is this appropriate?

Thermo-Tec Thermo Shield Adhesive Backed Composite Tape 1-1/2 X 15 Ft Roll | Aircraft Spruce ®

Thermo-Tec Thermo Shield Adhesive Backed Composite Tape 1-1/2 X 15 Ft Roll Thermo-Shield protects hoses and wires from radiant heat. Thermo-Shield is used in applications where it is difficult or not practical to disconnect one end of the h

www.aircraftspruce.com

I fly at 10,500/11,500 regularly out here to clear the mountains comfortably and temps were well below freezing during my last flight and my temps never quite reached the green arc (which I'm assuming is desired).

Also, is this pretty much trial and error for the tape method? Thinking I will start with one strip and go from there.

No reason to buy anything special for this purpose. Even the painter's tapes of various widths will work. Painter's tape also has easy to remove adhesive that will not leave behind a gummy mess that could potentially block a cooling fin or two.

 

[DHeal]

As Scott noted, in some climates your engine heating needs can change from day-to-day and even flight-to-flight so an easily adjustable winterization system (e.g., aluminized tape, Van's winterization plate kit, etc.) can be useful. If you use tape to block off portions of the radiators/coolers I recommend using aluminized tape (paper tapes tend to dry up and adhere themselves to the hot metal).

You may want to install an electric engine pre-heating system such as (Tanis, EZ Heat, etc.) to pre-heat your engine. I use EZ Heat and have a cheap programable timer that I can program in advance for up to a week's worth of specific hourly pre-heating for each day. Cellphone controlled systems are great but a bit pricey for my needs.

Also be aware that when it is cold outside and the engine is running cool you may have little in the way of cabin heat so try to seal up all those pesky cabin air leaks around the canopy and fuselage. Van's offers a cockpit sealing kit which helps but you may still find some cabin areas that are subject to cold air drafts inflight and need some individualized sealing (e.g., air coming through the spar openings, rear fuselage, etc.). Embrace the chill...the RVs really perform well in the cold!

 

[Jamesey]

One option is to reference Notification 17-03-01 on our web site. It describes using the Winterization Kit that is available from us (details below) which allow for quick (ground) adjustment which is helpful in changing conditions (very common from one day to the next in our part of the world)

COLD TEMP BAFFLES, N 17-03-01
12 WINTERIZATION KIT ULS
$33.00

Use this kit. 3 different sizes. Easy to fit.