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Oil tank below engine

in General Tech Discussion 7 years ago
Working on making new engine cowling. Thinking to move oil tank like they did on this airplane, or little lower. I did ask this question before, but can't find it anymore. My local mechanic OK with me doing this. Skyboy ELSA with 100HP ULS.
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  • Re: Oil tank below engine

    by » 7 years ago

    The plane in the picture is in Italy.
    Look in the installation manual. There is a spec for the positioning of the oil tank. It should not be too high or too low. There can be consequences for too high and too low. Just like Kitfox had by mounting tanks too high in the begining. I noticed the coolant reservoir in the picture was mounted way up over the expansion tank. You could never take the expansion tank cap off without all the coolant in the reservoir pouring out.

    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell

    Thank you said by: Eugene Klimenko, RotaxOwner Admin
      
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  • Re: Oil tank below engine

    by » 7 years ago

    Wondering if anybody have explanation for 400 mm vertical limit
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  • Re: Oil tank below engine

    by » 7 years ago

    Note how the 400mm line aligns with the Oil Pump.
    If The Oil level in the Oil Tank is below the Oil Pump you risk the Oil draining from the pump and losing its prime if it sits for an extended period.
    Hand Propping the engine to confirm Oil pressure before the first start of the day is never a bad idea.

    Also, remember that the Oil is Drawn from the Oil Tank with Suction and Not pushed towards the Oil Pump under Pressure.
    You need to limit the amount of Up-Hill Flow.

    The picture looks like it is a little beyond the 400mm limit.
    If you are careful with the first start of the day you can get away with it until the day you don't.

    Bill Hertzel
    Rotax 912is
    North Ridgeville, OH, USA
    Clicking the "Thank You" is Always Appreciated by Everyone.

    Thank you said by: RotaxOwner Admin, Eugene Klimenko
      
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  • Re: Oil tank below engine

    by » 7 years ago

    Yes, thank you!

    I can see how they trying to keep oil pump always primed. I was told to spin starter for a few seconds with ignition off, until you see pressure on your instruments. As soon as you see pressure, you are a good to go and you can flip ignition on and start your engine. Hand propping is only needed if you want take accurate reading for oil level in the tank.

    But from the standpoint of head pressure. I don't see how additional 12 inches or so Would make any difference for oil pump that is capable of 100 PSI.
      
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  • Re: Oil tank below engine

    by » 7 years ago

    Sounds like you're going to do this. Let us know how it works out.
    The pump's not just about pressure, but vacuum to the pump as well. This may run just fine for a while, but cost you longevity for the engine. At $19.5K for an engine and playing with the oil delivery system this could end up very expensive. Your starter has a life on it to. The factory engineer's had a good reason for its placement limits. If you're here asking then you may not know why they set it up this way. It may be better to get better guidance from a higher Rotax authority. If any location for the tank was okay I don't think Rotax would have specified a limit.

    p.s.
    "I don't see how additional 12 inches"
    Many facet electric fuel pumps only operate with that 12" lift and if you added another 12" it wouldn't supply enough fuel or any at all. So why do you think an oil pump may be different.

    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell

      
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