Thread: Some "winter" tips from Tom Peghiny...

There are a few things needing discussion (the use of the correct oils, avoiding using a dragon pre-heater...Ehtanol fuel line freezing...

I noticed on one log that someone mentioned using duct tape for blocking the radiator/oil cooler. I have used aluminum foil tape 2" wide-1/10mm thick for a long time first on the radiators of Rotax 582 two-strokes and then the oil cooler for the HKS engines we distribute. The tape is available from either Ace Hardware type stores or MSC. It is used in the heating business for sealing hot air ducts...has a low amount of adhesive and is easily removed.

I recommend it when the temperature drops below 45 Degrees F. We use a single strip across the top of the radiator which covers part of the radiator and the oil cooler. It allows faster warming of the engine to the required 120 F. minimum oil temperature for takeoff on the 912S and keeps the temp in the air higher as well.

Using this requires that the owner/pilot be responsible for removing it during a warm weather thaw or in the spring.

I've been using the tape on the CT since I had a 2K almost four years ago in the winter...

Winter? Consider the current METAR from Dallas Love Field (DAL):

KDAL 272153Z 15010KT 10SM -RA SCT027 BKN032 BKN060 21/16 A3000 RMK AO2 RAB10 SLP153 P0000 T02060161 $



(Winter will get here someday - it's supposed to snow Thursday night...)

Doug

You can have ours....sitting in four inches of it as "we type"!!

I've seen the floats for the CT....any one seen ski's??

Roger H

Hi all; We have now entered the "winter flying" season here in the North East USA. The metal duct tape on the top of the radiator really helps. Now the low temp. CHT alarm does not go off when on final approach. The next fix is to stop the cold air flow from the two rear most holes in the wing roots. Wow, talk about a brain freeze. The simple solution would be duct tape over the holes but the wing bolts could not be seen. I am having two plexiglass circles made that I will attach with Velcro. Ill let you all know how this works.
Arthur Hurst

Please let us know how the plexiglass circles work out.

As a quick and easy fix, I have used the approximately 2 inch transparent tape used for packages.

Works OK, but I think something a bit more elegant, such as the plexiglass, is a good idea in the long run.

We had trouble keeping warm this weekend. The heater that burns my feet in the summer was barely warm. The cold air from the wing root didn't help. Guess it's time for some tape on the radiator/oil cooler as well as something on the wing roots.

Question: Why does Tom P. advise against dragon heaters?

Dear CT Owner:
I looked for your post on the CTFlyer but alas I
couldn't find it. Two things come to mind. 1. It sounds like you need to
have your heater box looked at by the nearest Flight Design Service Center.
If it is closing properly it will not heat your feet in the Summer. 2. Have
you covered part of the radiator like we noted on the winter tips post?
Part of making the heater in the CT operate is getting the engine temps up
to the normal range. We also found that taping the gap seal on the wings is important (most distributors do this before delivery) and thin lexan covers for the holes in the upper cabin (other than the fuel windows) make a big difference.

Please contact me directly and let me know the serial number of your plane and the dealer or distributor that you are working with.

Best Regards:

Thomas A. Peghiny
Flight Design-HPower
860-963-7272
fstar@rcn.com

Hi All,

Why would taping the radiator do much of anything for the heater. The heater comes off the exhaust/muffler. Air comes in from the front of the CT, goes around a collection box that encircles the muffler and heats the outside air. Then that warm air comes into the cabin at your feet and in behind the instrument panel. Putting tape on the radiator might raise the oil and water temps some, but won't affect an exhaust much that is running temps already at 1150-1250 degrees F. The air in behind the instrument panel goes up and exits out 3 vents up by the windshield into the cabin.
You most definitely need to tape off those holes up by your head that allow the cold draft of air.

My toes do tend to get burned. I might relocate my heater holes up and move them about 12" more towards the pilot/passenger. This should make the hot air exhaust away from skin areas and into open space.
I might experiment with closing off the instrument panel vent somewhat and see if it directs more warm air into the cabin. Just a thought right now.

Thanks for the reply Tom / Roger,

I don't think you understood my question though. First of all my heater only burns my foot in the summer when I have it on. Now it doesn't get hot enough to burn my foot when it is on.

My question for Tom is "why do you advise against Dragon heaters? (pre heaters)

The reason is the potentially concentrated temperatures on the composites. If you were careful and monitored the temps you could use one.