WTB Oil Tank Cover for A65

[edmundcammack]

Hello,
i am looking for a cover to go over my kidney shaped oil tank for my BC-65. when i was growing up my father's Tcraft had one we put on each winter to help maintain oil temp. I have looked everywhere, people know what I'm talking about but not where to find one.
Thanks.

[PA1195]

https://www.wagaero.com/oil-tank-cover-kit-4-5-qt.html

Gary

[edmundcammack]

great, thank you.

[n6346m]

I think I've got one that I'll give you for the cost of postage. I'll look for it this afternoon.

Bob Picard

[edmundcammack]

Morning Bob,
that would be great, please let me know.
Thanks.

[n6346m]

edmundcammack,

Well I dug through my stuff and found two 4 qt tank covers. One looks like it's made with a synthetic asbestos looking fabric that is somewhat porous looking and i don't know how much heat it will retain. I can't remember which supply house I got it from. It came with sleeves to cover the intake pipes and I don't have those sleeves. The other one is made of some insulating fabric covered with an outer layer of vinyl fabric. The problem with the one that insulates the tank the best is that it does not breathe and can soak up any oil that leaks or absorb moisture from flying in the rain or washing the engine down. I would recommend putting a fresh coat of protective paint on the tank to prevent any surface rust. It is a bugger to put on but it does fit. If you decide to paint the tank, I would install the cover on it before installing it on the engine. If you PM me with your name and address I will send you both covers and you can use the one you want and pass the other one to someone else. I don't know how I wound up using italics so I can't figure out how to undo it.

cheers,
Bob Picard
N48923 Taylorcraft L-2B
Anchor Point, Alaska
.

[PA1195]

I've got a couple in a box from previous planes. They soak up any oil but can be cleaned. I suspect their utility was best with exposed engines like the J-3. I didn't notice much improvement in winter as far as oil temps or running. Cold air below 0F at speed will suck the heat out of most anything and -20F is my limit with a small Continental. Plus my habit of pre-heating involving a hot air electric heater liked the oil sump to have bare metal to pick up warmth. Not saying they don't help but not sure how much if they do.

Gary

[edmundcammack]

Thanks Gary,
I sent a PM to Bob regarding his offer. Will give them a try and see. I also found them new on Wag Aero and might investigate the ones they sell further. I see oil temps around 130 to 140, especially in winter and hope to get that up a little.

[Robert Lees]

Edmund, have you calibrated your oil temp bulb/gauge?

Rob

[PA1195]

My comment wasn't meant to discourage but rather encourage you to keep the oil temp under control. My cowl has a square ram air vent hole above the air cleaner that I block off below freezing temp. Check to see if any air can hit the oil sump from the front of the cowl and try to reduce that when cold (like the covers)...but allow it in summer. After a flight loosen the oil filler cap to let out any condensed moisture then recap it before flying. Also make sure there's an alternative small vent hole in your breather tube up some from the outlet. The outlet can freeze in winter and pressurize the crankcase. And as Rob suggests put your oil temp probe in boiling water to check for accuracy.

Gary

[astjp2]

My comment wasn't meant to discourage but rather encourage you to keep the oil temp under control. My cowl has a square ram air vent hole above the air cleaner that I block off below freezing temp. Check to see if any air can hit the oil sump from the front of the cowl and try to reduce that when cold (like the covers)...but allow it in summer. After a flight loosen the oil filler cap to let out any condensed moisture then recap it before flying. Also make sure there's an alternative small vent hole in your breather tube up some from the outlet. The outlet can freeze in winter and pressurize the crankcase. And as Rob suggests put your oil temp probe in boiling water to check for accuracy.

Gary

Gary, There are specific instructions on where and how to make that hole in a service bulletin somewhere. Tim

[edmundcammack]

Thanks Gary. I have the square hole above the carb as well. My IA suggested blocking it but i was worried about how it would affect cylinder cooling, since i have no gauges to monitors temps other than oil temp. I'll try that this winter. I have the hole in the breather up under the cowl. will test the accuracy of the oil temp probe.
I don't have an air filter, the carb intake hangs outside of the cowl. i thought about a cleaner but not sure how to adapt it to the end of the intake and also wondered if it would make the mixture a little richer, necessitating a carb adjustment. any advice is appreciated. I will take some pics next time I fly.
thanks.

[astjp2]

Thanks Gary. I have the square hole above the carb as well. My IA suggested blocking it but i was worried about how it would affect cylinder cooling, since i have no gauges to monitors temps other than oil temp. I'll try that this winter. I have the hole in the breather up under the cowl. will test the accuracy of the oil temp probe.
I don't have an air filter, the carb intake hangs outside of the cowl. i thought about a cleaner but not sure how to adapt it to the end of the intake and also wondered if it would make the mixture a little richer, necessitating a carb adjustment. any advice is appreciated. I will take some pics next time I fly.
thanks.

that lower hole only affects oil temp, cylinder temps are controlled by the large sideways triangle holes in the front of the cowl.

[PA1195]

Pictures are always a bonus. Some from the front and lower bottom cowl and others from outside looking into the engine from both sides. No air filter? Too many things can get into the carb w/o one. I'll have a look at Chet Peek's book today for a similar induction setup.

Gary

[astjp2]

I have one of those carb air boxes, brand new...with no filter..gets you 15 horsepower, just ask me