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What is the best system to take the edge off the cold
In a Gull powered by HKS. I have seen several systems online
However experience in the field is a more reliable source for what really works,
Taping into the oil with a looping system feeding a fan driven radiator is the ideal system
But which system is best ? Any suggestions ?
Carl

I have been pondering this somewhat lately, and the issue with a rear-mounted engine is that you basically have to reverse the natural direction of the airflow to get the hot air into the cabin – whether it is from the oil cooler or the exhaust. The baffling and ducting required would be extensive. While every design is a compromise, I think that Carl has it nailed. A valve can divert the oil to an internally mounted cooler, and a computer fan (or similar) can be used. In the summer, the valve can close off this loop. The additional oil lines would not need to be very long or complex. I also did not like pulling heat from the exhaust as I was worried that if a leak developed, the cabin would fill with fumes.

Using engine cooling oil in an additional radiator has the disadvantage
that it creates another weak link - any serious leak will compromise engine
operation. I would suggest using two shut-off valves, close to the engine
but still accessible in flight, to be able to completely isolate the cabin
heat circuit.

In my eGull, I will have to come up with a different solution, like an
automotive electric cabin heater. Using it will reduce range, but it is a
simple and light-weight solution. Warming up the cabin and defogging the
windows before disconnecting the charger will conserve some juice.

Here is what I use on a 912 powered two place and it works great. But I ran water through it. But a friend used one on a Lycoming parallel with the oil cooler on his Long-Ez and it does a great job even well below freezing temps. The key is the high volume fan. Computer fans just don't move enough air. I have to just barely crack the water flow on my 912 to have plenty of heat or it will run you out of the cabin. I fly a similar airplane an Aeroprakt A20 so I am way ahead of the engine also. Once my engine gets to 130 degrees water temp it is more than enough. Small, light and cheap. Low amp draw too. Good luck. It is easy to mount because of its small size.

And only $144.

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NORTHERN HURRICANE OIL OR TRANSMISSION COOLER WITH FAN http://www.circletracksupply.com/northe ... h-fan.html



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NORTHERN HURRICANE OIL OR TRANSMISSION... http://www.circletracksupply.com/northe ... h-fan.html CHOOSE SMALL OR LARGE SIZES. FOR OIL, TRANSMISSION, POWER STEERING OR REAR END.



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Hi Dennis!
My friend Jim over at Aircore Aviation likes using scat hose attached to half of the hot air coming out of the engine shroud on Rotax 503’s and piped into the cabin. Challenger’s also use the same idea. Other engines will require something different.