"Before doing this I queried the factory about how it might affect
engine cooling, and as I expected, there is no reason for concern."
I hope you are right.
By your description, it sounds like you have a 914 engine. I have just
finished doing a similar mod on my 914 monowheel. The major difference is
that I made the flap behind the coolers adjustable with a bowden cable. In
summer the 'air scoop' can be retracted completely so that is does not
interfere with the airflow.
Last summer in Europe we had unusually high temperatures mid to high 30s C
and I found that keeping the engine temperatures under control was very
speed dependant - a climb speed in excess of 100kts was necessary to keep
the temps down. In the cruise there was no problem at all, and in winter it
is hard to get the temps up at all.
I have not flown with the heater mod yet as I am waiting for the PFA to
approve the installation. However, it looks promising during the post
annual servicing engine run - I could feel some warm air coming through.
Incidentally, I have lowered the oil cooler as suggested in the engine
installation manual - again, I have yet to fly the aircraft to see how
effective the change is.
Living in California, with your weather factor, you might at least want to
have the lowered oil cooler.
Having said all that, some people have had cooling problems and others have
not.
regards,
Mike
Europa XS Monowheel G-JULZ. Flying for a year now.
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