Kitfox Aircraft Stick and Rudder Stein Air Grove Aircraft TCW Technologies Dynon Avionics AeroLED MGL Avionics Leading Edge Airfoils Desser EarthX Batteries Garmin G3X Touch
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: ThermoBob

  1. #1
    Senior Member Maverick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Phoenix
    Posts
    295

    Default ThermoBob

    Does anyone out there use this:
    https://watt-man.com/new-shop/thermo...inch-fittings/

    I had a hard time getting my engine temps to come up while flying through the winter. I did the tape over the oil cooler thing and it helped although it was still slow to bring the temps up. This is a coolant devise and it seems like it might help get the temps up quicker.
    Maverick
    EAA, AOPA
    KF5 (N49FK & N36KJ)
    Phoenix, AZ

  2. #2
    Administrator DesertFox4's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Arizona
    Posts
    3,562

    Default Re: ThermoBob

    Not very familiar with “Bob’s” unit Fred. Lots of folks been installing similar units and more often, oil thermostats for years with good results.
    L.E.A.F., one of our site sponsors, carries this one https://www.leadingedgeairfoils.com/...ostat-kit.html.


    Also California Power Systems, another TeamKitfox.com sponsor, carries 2 vesions of this solution to speed up warm ups on cold mornings. https://www.cps-parts.com/catalog/ep...ickkey=3179252

    https://www.cps-parts.com/catalog/ep...ickkey=3179252

    I may be adding one of the above thermostat kits to my Rotax this fall and likely one of these also.https://www.cps-parts.com/catalog/ep...ickkey=3179252

    The issue with these pre-heaters is I can’t leave it plugged in at my hangar due to City of Phoenix hangar rules.

    There are also coolant thermostats like Bob’s available. I have a friend running both on his 912 uls turbo powered Highlander.
    His run ups take about the same time as a Continental or Lycoming powered aircraft does which is 10 to 15 minutes less than my 912 uls takes with no pre-heat or any thermostats installed.


    DesertFox4
    Admin.
    7 Super Sport
    912 ULS Tri-gear


  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Chisholm Mn
    Posts
    1,562

    Default Re: ThermoBob

    I have one of those thermo bobs on my Kitfox 4 with 912 in northern Mn. Worked good for me this last winter. Without it, I don't think I would have had much cabin heat. JImChuk

  4. #4
    Senior Member 109JB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
    Location
    Morris, IL
    Posts
    484

    Default Re: ThermoBob

    Not thermo-bob, but I have a similar install on my 912, and it had a different one beofre i got it. Another 912 Kitfox driver I know has a similar setup as well. Reports are it is needed and works well. Here is the one I have

    https://www.amazon.com/Ice-Crusher-M...4658982&sr=8-1
    John Brannen
    Morris, IL
    Sonerai IIL (Single Seat)
    Kitfox 3/4 1050 - Rotax 582 (Back Flying and sold)
    Kitfox IV 1050 - Rotax 582 (sold)
    Kitfox IV 1200 Speedster - Rotax 912 UL (project)
    Piper Twin Comanche (Sold)
    Glasair 1 FT (Waiting to start)

  5. #5
    Senior Member Maverick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Phoenix
    Posts
    295

    Default Re: ThermoBob

    DesertFox4, I can understand the reluctance for the oil tank warmer due to the regulations Phoenix has. I would have the same issue at Glendale.

    My initial consideration for the water thermostat (ThermoBob) was based on what JG wrote at at https://www.stolspeed.com/thermostat-for-912 .
    He makes a compelling argument for the water thermostat and not so much for the oil thermostat. Based on his experience and logic it seems like the oil thermostat is not as useful. The cooling of the engine is more based on water cooling and air cooling and so the oil is not as much a part of the engine cooling/warming equation. It would seem therefore that holding up the water circulation will help with warming the engine more so than restricting oil flow. Also, with 10/40 oil, it would seem that oil circulation would be sufficient for lubricating the engine in most cases where I live. 10W-40 is recommended for ambient temperatures of +5 F to +122 F, neither of which I'm ever going to exceed. Thoughts?
    EAA, AOPA
    KF5 (N49FK & N36KJ)
    Phoenix, AZ

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •