I know there has been some discussion about oil thermostats recently on the
forum. This new one from X-Air appears smaller/lighter than the automotive
version I've seen in the past.
Beyond that, I have no further info/experience.
Cheers,
Pete
A239
*X-Air Australia Newsletter*
**
Every now and again something new comes along which stops you in your track
s
because it is just such a good idea and a unique product.
I have just come across one of these products and it's a specially designed
thermostat system designed to regulate the oil temperature on engines like
the Rotax and Jabiru.
We are all aware of the damage which can be caused by running your aircraft
engine oil temperature too low, in fact it has always been recommended to
get the oil temperature just over 100=B0C during each flight to burn off th
e
water which can contaminate the engine oil, if you are flying time and time
again and the engine temperature is only getting to say 85=B0C the water wi
ll
remain in your oil as a contaminant and can go on to destroy your engine
with corrosion problems. Additionally, warmup is achieved very quickly on
even the coldest of days because the thermostat diverts the oil flow from
the oil cooler.
Made in the USA these special oil thermostat units are designed to quickly
allow your engine to reach and maintain its optimum operating temperature
even on the coldest of days.
CNC machined from 6061-T6 the unit is anodised with the type 2 surface
finish to protect the thermostat long-term against corrosion. All of the
hardware is aircraft grade and the oil thermostat unit is finished to the
highest possible standards and is supplied with hose nipples to fit the mos
t
common oil tubing diameter used by Rotax and Jabiru.
There are a number of benefits in using an oil thermostat in your aircraft
which include fuel savings resulting from quick warmup times and engine
operation at optimum oil temperature which also increases engine life
because the engine is being operated at the correct oil temperature.
*Stage 1*
Cold oil: the internal oil bypass is open, allowing incoming oil to bypass
the oil cooler and returned directly to the engine significantly reducing
warmup time.
*Stage 2*
As the oil reaches the desired operating temperature the internal bypass
partially closes, automatically regulating and controlling flow through bot
h
the internal bypass AND the external oil cooler so that desired operating
temperature is maintained.
*Stage 3*
Hot oil: the internal bypass closes completely, directing 98% of the total
oil flow through the oil cooler. Under these conditions, the all temperatur
e
is limited by the cooling capacity of the external oil cooler.
I have been asked the same questions by most of the people I have shown thi
s
thermostat unit to...
*Will it reduce my oil pressure?* The simple answer is no installing an
oil temperature thermostat may slightly increase your oil pressure when it
is most needed during cold starts. It offers a shorter, less restrictive
flow path to the lubricating oil while the engine is cold. The cold oil
bypasses the oil cooler and eliminating the small pressure drop that would
otherwise occur.
*Can it block the flow of oil?* No, it cannot block the flow of oil in an
y
circumstances whether operating normally or in a failed condition, it is
impossible for the unit to block the flow of oil or the oil circuit.
*What is the warranty period?* The warranty period of the oil thermostat
is two years.
*How big is the unit?* The unit is really small being 55mm high, 55mm long
(without the hose barbs) and just 40mm deep, the unit can be bolted to the
firewall or a bracket with the two 3/16" mounting holes.
*Most important... The Cost?* The cost of the oil thermostat with oil hos
e
nipples is only $200 AU$ plug GST and delivery.
More information through the Australian distributor X-Air Australia 07 5568
7770 or http://www.mcp.com.au/
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