Toobuilder
Well Known Member
During the repair of the -8 a couple of years ago, I decided to improve the oil cooling. After flying it a bunch, I can claim success.
My goal was to isolate the cooler from the radiant heat of the cylinder head without remote mounting the cooler. I also hoped to improve airflow through the cylinder fins at the same time. The concept is a small plenum that draws air from the top of the cowl and also acts as a radiant heat barrier.
Works great. The cylinder is now my coolest and the oil never breaks a sweat. In fact, you can see it is blocked off for winter flying.
First was the plug, then the mold for the plenum. The green stuff is the water soluble mold release.
The geometry fits the -8 engine mount. Slightly angled, was trying to get as much volume in the plenum as possible without hitting the engine mount.
Pretty simple fiberglass piece, riveted to a new rear baffle plate.
Any questions, shoot!
My goal was to isolate the cooler from the radiant heat of the cylinder head without remote mounting the cooler. I also hoped to improve airflow through the cylinder fins at the same time. The concept is a small plenum that draws air from the top of the cowl and also acts as a radiant heat barrier.
Works great. The cylinder is now my coolest and the oil never breaks a sweat. In fact, you can see it is blocked off for winter flying.
First was the plug, then the mold for the plenum. The green stuff is the water soluble mold release.
The geometry fits the -8 engine mount. Slightly angled, was trying to get as much volume in the plenum as possible without hitting the engine mount.
Pretty simple fiberglass piece, riveted to a new rear baffle plate.
Any questions, shoot!
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