I have a custom oil cooler built by Griffin.
My design specs to them included design for 120 psi oil side pressure. It
is very robust. Before running it, I tested it to 140 psi – no problem.
AN-10 line is fine for oil side for
relatively short runs.
I haven’t missed having a
thermostat in the oil system. Typically, by the time I start up, taxi, do
run-up checks, talk to tower (or traffic); my oil temp is 140F+; which is what
I like to see before putting on full power. Of course I haven’t
flown with air temps less than about mid 40s.
Al G
-----Original Message-----
From: Rotary motors in aircraft
[mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On
Behalf Of Jeff Whaley
Sent: Friday, August
14, 2009 5:35 AM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Earls
Performance Oil Coolers
I
called Fluidyne directly (Gary Johnson), he will make a special order AN-10;
prefers I go through Summit but will deal with me directly if Summit chokes.
Before
I spend any more money I’ll try laying the RX7 cooler beside the engine
in a last chance attempt … hate to give up that thermostat.
Jeff
From: Rotary
motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Jeff Whaley
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 8:39
AM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Earls
Performance Oil Coolers
Hi
Mark, that’s a nice looking cooler of similar construction and total
surface area to the stock Mazda, but brings more questions.
What
is the 3rd (female) port for? – a drain?
I
don’t see a thermostat - have you located one somewhere else, or ignored
that feature?
I
guess this is the only oil cooler in your installation – where did you
locate it, draw air from, etc? – any photos?
The
connectors are AN-12 – my engine is adapted for AN-10, this complicates
things a bit … mainly $150 worth of hose, adaptors and fittings.
Jeff.
From: Rotary
motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Mark Steitle
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009
6:55 PM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Earls
Performance Oil Coolers
On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 3:29 PM, Jeff Whaley <jwhaley@datacast.com> wrote:
Thanks Mark, checked out Fluidyne;
they’re available through Summit Racing … I don’t see any
difference between them and Earl’s, except earl’s has more
input/output connector options. Btw, I am being cautious; that’s
why the post for previous experience; at the moment I’m looking for
options.
Jeff
From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net]
On Behalf Of Mark Steitle
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009
3:39 PM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Earls
Performance Oil Coolers
Be very careful on selecting an oil cooler. A
few years back, one builder had two in-flight oil cooler failures... not
good. Maybe someone recalls the brand. Also, be sure to
pressure test whatever you choose.
Someone tried using an a/c evaporator for an oil
cooler and it failed within a few hours resulting in a forced landing at
an air force base.
I went with a Fluidyne cooler, used by the NASCAR
folks.
On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 2:53 PM, Al Gietzen <ALVentures@cox.net>
wrote:
No experience with Earl’s version;
but it appears to be the same as the Setrab (copy, made by?), which has a good reputation.
Al
-----Original Message-----
From: Rotary motors in aircraft
[mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net]
On Behalf Of Jeff Whaley
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009
9:29 AM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Earls
Performance Oil Coolers
Does anyone have experience will Earl’s
“Temp-A-Cure” oil coolers with a 13B rotary?
http://www.anplumbing.com/shop/index.php?shop=Accessories&dept=Oil!_Cooler
or
http://www.holley.com/types/Temp-A-Cure%20Oil%20Coolers.asp
Earl’s quoted specs:
Features
·
Manufactured in the U.S.A from aircraft spec aluminum alloy,
using the latest vacuum brazing technology.
·
Corrugated screen internal turbulator plates increase both
thermal efficiency and mechanical strength resulting in the most efficient,
smallest and lightest practical package.
·
Manufactured from thin aluminum plates for the fastest possible
heat transfer.
·
Inlet and outlet fittings o-ring to the top plate assembly.
·
Designed for the range of oil flows and air speeds encountered in
high performance automobiles.
·
Available in three widths with inlet and outlet fittings male AN.
·
Every cooler is pressure checked to 175 psi. Periodic samples are
burst tested to 350 psi.
Jeff