Garmin G3X Engine Sensors
Radioflyer, I saw that article too and wondered if it would generate questions.
The accuracy and consistent sensor-to-sensor reproducibility of the Kavlico sensors is quite impressive when compared to automotive grade sensors. It is actually difficult to even get automotive grade sensor manufacturers to provide guaranteed performance specifications for their sensors.
When I first installed my G3X system I retained the VDO brand temperature and pressure sensors that had been in use for years with my old instrumentation. With the improved digital readout and data logging afforded by the G3X system, I started to study and question the data that sensors like the oil pressure transducer were providing.
I pulled these sensors from the engine and started testing them on a bench and confirmed my suspicions that they were poor quality sensors. Each time I pressure cycled the oil pressure transducer I received different readings. It was not uncommon for this resistance type oil pressure sensor to provide different resistance values for both 0 psi and 80 psi each time I cycled the pressure. I believe the diaphragm in these sensors pushes a linear pot and the pot wiper can wear with engine pulsations leading to performance problems.
I installed the solid state Kavlico pressure transducers and replaced the VDO thermistor style oil temperature sensor with an RTD sensor that is the preferred oil temperature sensor for a G3X system.
I pressure tested the Kavlico pressure sensors while connected to the G3X system for an end-to-end test and was very pleased with what I observed.
I really appreciate the improved performance of the RTD oil temperature sensor over the VDO resistance sensor since in the summer oil temperature can become my limiting engine parameter in some scenarios.
It is a good feeling to power up the G3X on a cold hangar-stored aircraft and see the RTD OAT, RTD oil temperature, and thermocouple CHT probes all reading within 1 deg F of each other.