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Vent in rear of top cowling?
Is a 1”x4” vent (louver) in top cowling, about 3in front of firewall, likely to cause engine cooling problems in flight.
zenith fiberglass cowl around Rotax 912UL
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bob Simmons on
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That's not a simple question to answer, because it can depend on a number of variables, such as inlet flow, baffles, other outlet locations, etc. Maybe someone else with a CH 701 and your engine will chime in with more insight. I just didn't want you to think you were being ignored because no one has responded.
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Permalink Reply by Bert Shivers on
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Thank you, Bob.
I might just look for a flat vent that can be closed for flight or rain. Glass that to the fiberglass cowl and repaint.
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Permalink Reply by François Balaux on
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Why do you want to put a vent there Bert? I can think of a few risks but no advantage, so I must miss something.
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In another discussion, someone mentioned that after engine shutdown is when the ignition boxes are exposed to the most heat. They recommended opening any access panels on the cowling in order to allow the heat to escape. Seems the best thing would be a vent right above the ignition modules.
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Did they measure the temperature? I will have to check on my next flight but I think the engine is warmer in flight than after losing altitude near the airport, circuit, landing and taxiing all at low rpm.
Anyway, I never had that problem.
However when I park my aircraft I open the oil check door. I do that because I once had a mouse nest in there so now I put a box of repellant on the cowling between flights. It probably let some heat out at the same time.
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Francois, what are the few risks?
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The cowling is made so the air goes in from the top front and out at the back-low. This way all the air goes around the engine to cool it. Also any exhaust fumes is pushed out by fresh air.
If some air comes out on the top-back it will not cool the engine as much as it will not go around it. Also some exhaust gas may be pulled up towards the air filter.
I am not sure it would be a problem, but these are the risks I would have in mind.
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