582 Water Temp

[RoyHelsing]

I have a new to me Model IV. Still getting used to it. Engine has about 15 hours on it. In flight water temp seems to stay around 195 degrees, a bit higher than the max 175 in the manual. On landing, it is at 170 - seems to go down as I reduce RPM to land. Any ideas on how to keep it below 175 or even how critical the extra 20 degrees is?

[109JB]

Do you have a thermostat installed. Not all have one. My first 582 powered kitfox didn't have one and temps were all over the map. My temperatures run very consistently between 160-170. 170 in flight and it may cool off to 160 after landing.

Also, it helps keep things cooler if the radiator is lowered about 1 inch below the bottom of the fuselage. I had to do that on my first Kitfox to get it to run cool.

[RoyHelsing]

Thanks. I do have a thermostat and the radiator is at least one inch below the fuselage - so unless the thermostat had an issue that is probably not the problem. EGTs do stay in range which is why I am wondering if I should worry.

[Av8r_Sed]

Those temps are a concern. I would check the accuracy of your water temperature probe first in a pan of hot water against a known good thermometer or measurement device.

[RoyHelsing]

Thanks. Good idea.