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So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Sat Oct 27, 2012 9:17 pm
by Steve
... while we were on a $100 hamburger run a few weeks ago. Everyone knows that the IO-360 is sometimes tough to start hot (and it is hot a lot here in TX). I usually leave the oil door open when on the ground for less than a couple of hours, to allow better convective cooling of the engine compartment. The problem is keeping the door open more than a minute. If the wind is from the wrong direction (it always is) or gusty, the door will blow closed, and you are back at square one. I thought about installing a hinge spring on the oil door, but was afraid the increased load would crack the cowling.
My son suggested making a brace to hold it open. So my little project last week was to make one (see photos). It works great! It is now residing in the pilot's side pocket.
Just a thought for those hot climate hamburger runners...
Re: So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 1:27 am
by c2mlp
Very nice job. Do you have any interest in making them to sell?
Re: So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 2:13 am
by Steve
Not really, but it was very simple to make. I have more pictures during the construction process I can post if others are interested.
Steve
Re: So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 7:07 am
by Thomas
We just had the first snow this year. But a very good idea for our next summer in Switzerland.
regards to Texas Thomas
Re: So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 2:29 pm
by smoss
Curious how much this helps with cooling??? Can you feel the heat pouring out, or is it a more minor effect?
Re: So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 2:54 pm
by Steve
smoss wrote:Curious how much this helps with cooling??? Can you feel the heat pouring out, or is it a more minor effect?
It makes a big difference, based on CHT upon restart after an hour on the ground.
Steve
Re: So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 9:49 pm
by Jean
How big (°F) ?
Re: So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2012 9:58 pm
by Steve
Jean wrote:How big (°F) ?
Depends on ambient, but as much as 40 °F after 60 minutes.
Oil temp difference is less.
Re: So, my 15 year old son had a good idea...
Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 6:56 pm
by Antoine
Smart Kid Steve and nice work - congratulations. As Thomas said, we in Switzerland are not exactly in the market for such a device at the moment. Frrrrrrreeezing