Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

[Dakotarnk]

I have an air intake that my mechanic will not sign off for the annual because he cant find anywhere it is documented that it is approved for my plane. Does any one know what this is and where I can find documentation stating that it is for my plane.
Thanks

[Guest]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

hmmm

sorry but I think that he is correct

I have never seen such a thing on a t-craft

Dave

[barnstmr]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

Does it have an air filter?

[Robert Lees]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

I have seen this before, but where I cannot recall. To be sure, I'm convinced this is original.

My reason for posting is:
1. Where does your IA get his data from to know that it might not be approved?
2. How long has it been flying like that? (approved data)
3. Depending upon the answer to Q2; if it is safe, why change the status quo?

4. Filter is not legally required, to my knowledge Terry.

If in doubt, get a new IA.

5. And welcome to the Taylorcraft Tribe, Dakotarnk (we are not afraid of real names here!)

[ajfriz]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

I have the same intake.

[Dakotarnk]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

Yes, It has a filter that doesnt look like it filters anything but grasshoppers and butterflies. It is made with what looks like wire mesh.

[barnstmr]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

Robert,
I realize no air filter is required. I was just curious about the pictured setup. Though not required, I really don't know why anyone (especially those who fly off of non-paved airstrips) would want to fly without an air filter. I am all for originality unless it has adverse effects to engine life or safety.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

I have the same intake.

Do you have (or can you take) a photo? I'm sure that would help our friend in Dakota.

Terry, in my rebuild I converted my 1946 BC12D from a Brackett filtered set-up to a non-filtered set-up...because I can't see any advantage unless you fly in sandy, dust-laden atmospheres (like Dust-bowl territory or similar). But I do get a (perceived) advantage of increased airflow in the intake.

Any hoo, in probably over 1000 hours of flying Taylorcraft with unfiltered air intake, I've never had a problem...mostly off grass, too, where I reckon the extra carbon from the grass & insects improves the combustion!

[barnstmr]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

I can't see any advantage unless you fly in sandy, dust-laden atmospheres (like Dust-bowl territory or similar). But I do get a (perceived) advantage of increased airflow in the intake.

Any hoo, in probably over 1000 hours of flying Taylorcraft with unfiltered air intake, I've never had a problem...mostly off grass, too, where I reckon the extra carbon from the grass & insects improves the combustion!

Robert... I suppose my years of operation in the dry dusty Texas climate and our airstrip being in a sandy river bottom has me a bit sensitive to this topic. Here in the mid summer the dust blows at the smallest whiff of wind. So I wouldn't think of operating an aircraft engine without an air filter. I have seen hundreds of engines torn down for various troubles and you always see premature wear on the steel barrels when an engine has poor air filtration in a dusty environment. Also dirt makes its way into the oil quicker to and isn't good for bearings and such.

[flybikefarm]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

If you have the carb heat on when you land, the air is unfiltered.

[cvavon]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

am i wrong but is not the air box an engine part that comes with the engine not from tcraft and could it be some kind of non standard part that the engine manufacturer supplied with some engines

[taylorcraftbc65]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

That looks to me as if someone in the plane's past tried to create a small ram air effect through the carb.
Brie

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

that is an Ercoupe airbox

[jim cooper]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

that is an Ercoupe airbox

It looks somewhat like the filter on a super cub doesn't it? Carb heat bypasses the filter to be sure BUT I was always taught to turn the carb heat off IMMED. on landing, while taxiing, for that exact reason. I think a filter makes alot of sense as does an OIL FILTER. These old taildraggers are stone age technology. I don't think anyone back then thought they would be flying today. Alot of accidents seem to be on take off or shortly thereafter. Like"Aircraft lost power, engine sounded rough (or quit) aircraft stalled killing pilot". Some are due to hurried preflight, (didn't drain sediment bowl) some forgot to put gas in airplane. I think SOME are due to carb. needing rebuild or rebuild not done correctly. Others please chime in. (See FAA monthly accident reports) Interested to see what others think on this. P.S. I was always told that the Stromburg carb was excellent provided the mechanic who worked on it or rebuilt knew it WELL.JC

[Guest]

Re: Air intake/Air filter 1945 bc-12d

that is an Ercoupe airbox

Mike I was thinking that too but I do not see the nontapered flange that the filter would set in to.

Perhaps someone removed it or this is some home made device or just something I never saw before