I made a small tank to catch the oil
coming out of the turbo before it goes to the scavenge pump. This helps
to defroth the oil. I bought an oil level sensor from this company http://www.aircraftextras.com/LowOilSensor.htm
to put in the small tank. If the pump stops and the catch tank gets full,
the oil level sensor completes a circuit that turns on a warning light on my
panel. I will know immediately if my oil is being pumped overboard
through the turbo. I also connected a timer to the pump that is
adjustable both for time running and time off. Since the pump can flow a
lot more oil per minute than flows through the turbo, I did not want the pump
to be pumping air most of the time, which could shorten its life. It
cycles on and off when needed, and I set the time by trial and error. If
the panel light comes on intermittently, I know that I need for the pump’s
off cycle to be a little shorter.
-----Original Message-----
From: Rotary motors in aircraft
[mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On
Behalf Of Russell Duffy
Sent: Tuesday, June
14, 2005 4:20 PM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: turbo oil
drain
Thanks, but as it turns
out, I already bought one from Buly. His is a bit smaller and
lighter, but higher flow and (unfortunately) current draw. I always take
these specs with a grain of salt though, so we'll see how it works in reality.
I've already thought of
one problem, which is what will happen if the motor ever stops
running. If that happens, depending on the flow resistance of the stopped
pump, it could blow the turbo seal instantly. The plan will be
to route a normal oil drain line to the front cover, which will be about
12" uphill. Near the turbo, I'll T into the line, and attach
the pump, which will send the oil to anywhere convenient. This will also
keep the pump from creating a suction on the turbo bearings.
Yep, I guess this
makes Rev-5 official, though I'm planning to (try to) hold off until
get the Kolb ready to fly.