Oil thermostat on Rotax 912

[WWhunter]

How many guys are using an oil thermostat on their 912's? Is it really neccessary? I bought one while at Oshkosh last summer but after reading up on it (before installing), I am thinking I might just leave the engine as is. I basically wanted it to allow the engine to warm up a bit quicker in the cold climate Ilive in. Realizing that I already have a Tanis preheater on it, I probably don't need it. Plus, it is just adding weight nd complexity.

I have the engine removed and am debating wether or not to send it to Hal or MLS to have them look at the persistent ignition issue. I was able to find one wire that was hanging by a couple of strands. It was the red lead going into the rear of the engine. It is the same wire I had issues with a few years ago. Since the engine is off, I am replacing the water hoses and other rubber items. Figure it would also be a good time to install the oil thermostat, but as I mentioned, having second thoughts.

[AirFox]

Doug(Floog) and I have the same engine/prop combo and did a test a couple of weeks ago. We started up at the same time temp etc and ran the same startup RPM profile. On a warm up to 120 deg oil temp the difference in time was 30 seconds. I have the oil thermostat and Doug does not. I don't think the thermostat is worth the added weight and complexity. All other flight parameters with regard to oil temp are negligible.

Scott

[WWhunter]

Thank you Scott!! That was the findings that I was getting in my research. Basically, it was not worth doing.

[kmach]

Most oil thermostats for the 912 don't fully shut off flow or bypass the oil cooler. They usually allow roughly a 10 percent flow when closed.

I would like to know a make and model of this one that totally bypasses the oil cooler.

I have been using a mocal oil thermostat since 2010, I remember it making a difference on warm up back then when I first tried it. It allows approximately 10% flow when fully closed, so you still need to block off a portion of the oil cooler inflight when it is "arctic". Not a big deal if the oil cooler is up in front of the gearbox. Aluminum tape works well.

[GuppyWN]

Doug(Floog) and I have the same engine/prop combo and did a test a couple of weeks ago...

What was the ambient temp?

[kmach]

What make and model of oil thermostats are you guys using ?

Are you guys using a coolant thermostat as well?

I use the thermobob coolant thermostat, it also helps with engine warmup and it keeps temps up inflight, very nicely .

[Slyfox]

not sure about the 10% still going through the oil cooler, could be I guess. I got mine from lockwood many moons ago. like maybe 14 years. Now for the coolant, nope. reason I don't is because I run my heat off the cooler. a bit of redneck in me. I run a plastic funnel off the back of the cooler and run scat hose off that into the inside and point it at my feet. free heat, than I cover the cooler with cardboard and a couple pocky ties from an automotive transmission cooler setup. works great, keeps my feet warm. no weight and no complexity with taping into the water.

[Dorsal]

I run both the oil thermostat from Lockwood and coolant thermostat, I think the engine warms up quicker but I know temps are very stable and predictable across a wide rage of flight conditions.

[Dusty]

Unfortunatly the belly radiator has to stay and get plenty of airflow. It Has to get rid of of not only cylinder head heat but also oil/crankcase heat. The heat exchanger I used is one from the wine industry and has more than ample strength and flow(it is in the suction side of the pump,and the coolant pressure is only what the Rotax/BMW radiator cap will support) laminova do a better unit,but at a not so great price.

[AirFox]

Start up outside air temp was 28 Deg F. We have been compairing flight temps and they are the same too. Both of us have shutters that cover our oil cooler.