G-PTAG survived an oil cooler fracture (probably due to the mounting on the cowl) which showed that oil could escape without the pilot knowing. The oil cooler mounting has been reworked onto the engine with a more dedicated air duct and warm air collector manifold and since oil cooling is only needed after periods of full power the cooler circuit can be turned off for cruise. Reducing the cooler time in circuit and thereby reducing the chance of oil starvation due to oil loss. This is currently subject of PFA modification process. This method was chosen in preference to thermostat control since 5% of oil would always need to be flowing round the oil cooler circuit for the thermostat to sense the temperature.
These pictures show the current installation (and remember that it is a Jabiru 3300 engine, not a Rotax).
Europa/Jabiru 3300 Oil Cooling warm air collector manifold for cabin heat.Prior to fitment.
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(446 x 318, 27KB)
Europa/Jabiru 3300 Oil Cooler mounted with Sump Cooling Air Duct and Collector Manifold in place
(565 x 350, 44KB)
Europa /Jabiru 3300 Oil Cooler hand selection valve viewed from port engine side
(552 x 343, 49KB)
Europa/Jabiru 3300 Oil Cooler circuit starboard engine side with anti oil reverse flow check valve
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The follwing section is concerned with the flow valve installation.
Rework of oil cooler circuit to make the cooler switchable by the Pilot when the additional cooling isn't required. (Therefore reducing the odds of total oil loss on long flights in the event of oil cooler failure.) This facility also ensures that the Pilot can control the oil temperature in a more positive way.
Provisional arrangement of diverter valve and re-designed "donut" adapter to engine block. The diverter valve does NOT HAVE ANY OFF POSITION. The dedicated oil cooling air passes over the engine sump cooling fins prior to exhausting through the oil cooler to be caught in a manifold to be distributed to the cockpit heater vents selectors.
All of the oil circulation circuit has been designed to have 5/16" minimum nominal bore pipes and connectors , an item not possible with the original Jabiru "donut".
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Starboard Side engine provisional engine view showing the "non- return" (check valve) ensuring no back flow to the cooler when the cooler is de-selected.
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Arrangement of new "donut" adapter with diverter valve prior to fitment of rod hand activator to P1 control position viewed from the oil filter side ( the two threaded connectors are for the oil cooler circuit pipes).
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New "donut" adapter and valve viewed from the engine block side showing the "O" ring and groove. Note that the donut is now slightly wider to accommodate the use of 5/16" nominal bore connectors and dowty washers .
(561 x 374, 60KB)