Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

[N74DV]

Flew for 1 hour today. OAT was probably around 68f. Oil temp never got above 150f. Upon landing and parking after about 20 minutes I noticed some water dripping onto the hangar floor from the crankcase vent tube. Maybe a total of 1/4oz. of water.

I'd really like to get my oil temp up to cook off the moisture in the engine. I've heard of blocking the inlet under the prop as well as putting some duct tape over a portion of the intake grilles. Should I be trying this?

[M Towsley]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

DJ, I run into the same problem. Mine runs cool even in summer. For cool/cold I block the inlet under the prop. I noticed a picture in the Best of 2013 pictures section where one of the Alaska guys cover the inside of the intake grills, (but also noted he left the bottom open). ???

[M Towsley]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

I also noticed Harry Fenton, (Fly Baby Page - http://bowersflybaby.com/tech/engines.htm), mentions using a partial block at the bottom of the cowl to keep warm air in the cowl. I also noted where Aeronca has what appears to be approved engine and cowl blocks to keep the engine warm. I have never seen anything like that with a Taylorcraft.

http://www.bowersflybaby.com/tech/PeteGavin.winterops-1.pdf

[barnstmr]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

You need to block airflow away from crankcase and oil tank. Try a fire resistant blanket around oil tank + block off opening under prop. If you have a spin-on filter, put a blanket on it too.

Partially blocking of the grills will primarily affect cylinder temps... not so much on oil temp.

You might also find some success by partially restricting the EXIT air opening at the bottom of the cowl.

[cvavon]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

When I bought my plane the hole below the prop was covered and is that way still. When I installed the c85 i also installed new baffles that fit tight also I left off the baffle under the engine.with this set up my engine runs in the 190 deg to205 deg range in the hot part of the southern summer also it will get 175to 185 in the winter here in Tn. Terry and i have talked about this as i used his STC to put the engine on the plane and he showed some concern, but it has done well for almost two years never any over temp problems set up this way.Also the a65-8f was this way also

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

Before anyone else does what Chuck did, remember he built what is almost a pressure cowl for his engine with dual exhaust that dumps a lot of heat out with the exhaust. He has almost NO air leaks and the cylinder cooling is very efficient. He also has an oil filter that is positioned to cool the oil from the case. If you want to copy his set-up, copy it ALL! Just covering holes (especially the cylinder grills) could cause some pretty bad damage.
Like Terry said, blocking the grills might not be a good idea. It will drive up cylinder temps but won't help with oil temp till the cylinders are cooked. I wouldn't cover the grills unless I had a cyl Temp gauge.

Hank

[M Towsley]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

My problem with the Wag-Aero tank cover is it is marketed for the 4 qt and 4.5 qt oil tank. Last one I had was way too big for the tank. I sent it all back. Snap-on intake warmers somewhat fit but the oil tank cover was horrible. Anyone have one made with a pattern available?

[cvavon]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

Marty I think they make them to fit the 6 qt tank on the 0200.

[M Towsley]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

That makes it even worse for fit. I bought mine back in 2004/2005, ended up sending it back to them and advising them of the problem. Of course, they didn't care. They still make the 4/4.5 qt part number, I-831-000, $50. 6 qt is I-832-000 for $53.

[Marv]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

I bought one back in 1983 and i was lucky to get the snaps fastened, but it and the sleeves worked great. It was a tight fit.

[KewFlyer]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

Marty:

I just helped to install a new set from Wag and the fit was good around the oil tank as well as on the intake tubes. They might have paid attention to costumers complaints and made the required adjustments to the winter sweaters to make them fit.

I'm still looking for the old style that has the leather or semi-leather exterior cover with the wool interior. I saw a few used (very used, I should say) for sale, at a fly-in a few years back. Now I regret not getting a set or two and getting them reconditioned..... for about $ 20 a set....

Ralph

[M Towsley]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

Thanks for the heads up Ralph. I will check into that. Yes, I think you missed an opportunity, I've never seen an old set before.

[perryv1]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

Before anyone else does what Chuck did, remember he built what is almost a pressure cowl for his engine with dual exhaust that dumps a lot of heat out with the exhaust. He has almost NO air leaks and the cylinder cooling is very efficient. He also has an oil filter that is positioned to cool the oil from the case. If you want to copy his set-up, copy it ALL! Just covering holes (especially the cylinder grills) could cause some pretty bad damage.
Like Terry said, blocking the grills might not be a good idea. It will drive up cylinder temps but won't help with oil temp till the cylinders are cooked. I wouldn't cover the grills unless I had a cyl Temp gauge.

Hank

I agree,before I did my o-200 conversion,i workerd her hard on skis on day and the cyl temps got pretty warm.I think that if I had the grills restricted I would have done some real damage.the oil temps never would have been affected.I don't worry abouta little blowby,that just tells me shes leeting me know how she feels.

[Guest]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

I also found that the Wag Aero covers did not fit.

I sent them back.

Soon after I noticed that the welding supply had a huge box of winter weather welding helmit liners for less than $10 each.

I got two and put one over the left side of the kidney tank and one over the right side.

They overlap in the middle and the chin straps held them on ok but I added some wraps of safety wire to be sure though.

I recall that the welding gear is fire resitant or fire proof.

Oh yeah had to make a cut for the filler neck.

Dave

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Low oil temp (150f) and water dripping from vent tube

OK now THAT just makes too much sense! The FAA is NEVER gonna allow it!

Hank ;-)