Good points Ed. Remember that the normal coolant flow is on the order
of 30 - 40 GPM. That's a lot of water, so don't use a filter that will be
too restrictive (if you must do it at all).
My evaporator cores are 1970s vintage and never changed. I used
50-50 Preston and distilled water for the first 3 years (no changes of
coolant during that time) and Dexcool (Sp?) long life (the red stuff) and
distilled water for the last 9 years. Never any sign of corrosion or
blockage in spite of the silly stories circulating about the incompatibility of
Dexcool & similar long life coolants with aluminum.
I do know of several cases of blocked rads from engines that had sat around
for extended periods with coolant (or plain water) in them. Several were
the 'brand new' turbo II engines obtained from various sources.
If you start with clean systems and use any good coolant and distilled
water, there is no reason to expect corrosion.
Tracy
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 7:45
AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Filterr or not to
Filter: [FlyRotary] Re: FW: Cooling system update
One thing to consider anytime you place a filter or screen in
any fluid flow
line where you might expect contamination (otherwise why put
the filter) is
that should the filter become clogged - then all fluid flow
ceases. Not to
say a filter/screen should not be used, however, its
my opinion that the
source of the clogging elements should be determined
forthwith otherwise the
condition will simply return.
I have not had
any problems with clogging or scale etc. I use Preston
Antifreeze and
Distilled water when I fill the coolant system.
I am fairly certain that
neither has Tracy with over 1600 hours - so it
clearly does not happen as a
matter of course. Some tap water (Particularly
in the western part of
the country) has a high gypsum? and other scale
producing mineral
content.
I took out the thermostat to preclude interference with
coolant flow and
perhaps that may contribute to more constant flow and
perhaps less
opportunity for scale to build up? Just a
thought.
Ed A
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul"
<sqpilot@bellsouth.net>
To:
"Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Sent:
Monday, February 28, 2005 7:30 AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: FW: Cooling
system update
> Good idea. Unfortunately, I have all Stainless
hose with AN fittings.
Would
> like to see one with male/female -16
AN fittings that could be placed
> in-line. For those who are
considering rubber radiator hoses, however
this
> would be a nice to
have item. Paul Conner
>