With thermostat removed, bypass plugged, new accessory belts and alternator pulley installed, we retested the new rotary installation.

On first climb out water temperature reached only 195F, compared to 230F on very first flight a week ago. With the water temperature okay we did 2 touch and goes then shut everything down and checked under the cowl … no broken belts, no leaks that’s a relief.

On the subsequent climb outs the water temp was about 185F; on approach the water cooled to 150F. I guess with the approach momentum you spend less time at full throttle on a touch and go. Some other numbers of interest, 6300 rpm, 1100 fpm, outside air temp 30F, oil temp 110F.

 

So I would say that the water cooling system is still not good enough (at 80F that 195 could go to 245F) on the other hand my oil is too cool.

For present winter operations I’m wondering … put the thermostat back in, which may help the oil … I don’t like the cooling to 150F on approach, or should I keep the systems separate? Plug the oil cooler air intakes or outlets? Or should we first fly at cruise speeds for 10-15 minutes to see how things stabilize?

Jeff Whaley

(I call it an airplane now)