|
|
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Scott,
Regarding cooling magnetos: I was asking myself the same question a few months ago. First I called up Unison to get operating temperatures for the Slick Mags on my O360A1A. Normal operating range is 180-210 deg F measured on the case in the coil location. I then epoxied a thermo couple to the left mag and place two more thermocouples 1/4 inch off both mags to measure local air temperatures. With the readouts in the right seat I went flying. OATs were in the 70-80 F range. I was suprised at how low the temperatures were. Steady state was reached at about 130 F. The air temperature consistently lagged the magneto temperature by 10 F. I continued with landings and taxiing back for take off. I figured the lack of air flow might bring the temperatures up. It did, but not very much. The highest temperature measured was 170 F.
As a result of these measurements I have elected to skip magneto cooling. I will repeat these measurements once our local temperature hits 100 deg F this summer to make sure recommended operating temperatures are still not being exceeded.
I have the long engine mount, a carburated O360, and my oil cooler exhausts into the engine compartment in front of the #2 cylinder. The air behind the engine must really be whipping around, because it is doing a great job cooling the mags.
Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
|
|