[Midair]

Hello Dan:

If your engine issue is truly due to overheating, one last item to try (before cutting open more of your cowl, or considering a different engine) is to form some ducts around the cylinder head. Often, forcing cool air directly over the cylinder and out through the vents is quite effective.

Peter

[fsone]

Peter he doesn't have a overheating issue. We are trying to prevent him and others from having one. There has been a few of us who have explained the issue and yes you are correct thanks for your input.

[DannoH]

Great ideas with the louvres and opening up the cowl around the cylinder head. I'm not against opening the cowl around the cylinder head, but if I don't need to I'd like to leave it in case I eventually put in an inverted gas engine. The duct work would be simple enough....

BUT

I am having doubts about whether it is overheating. After the last 3 deadsticks I ran out to the runway with my laser thermometer and got readings in the range of 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit (seemed reasonable to me). On the very last deadstick the engine quit while taxing back so I had the temp seconds after engine stopped. On that last landing the engine sputtered for close to 10 seconds before it quit. The engine still turned over smoothly.

I finally removed the fuel tank and lines tonight and found that the lines appear to be in excellent shape. I will replace them anyways and direct more air to the engine. Will also open the top of the cylinder head area "a little bit" for now. The rubber stopper on the tank has seen better days but should've made a good seal.

Thanks and I really appreciate all the input. I am still determined to get to the bottom of this, even if it means cutting a hole in the side of my new and freshly painted cowl!

If the engine quits after changing the stopped and lines I will cut the cowl open (at the field) and give you all an update!

[bbbair]

Dan;
Before you go cutting the cowl - fly the plane WITHOUT the cowl.

If the engine still shuts down the Cowl is NOT your problem.

[fsone]

I agree with bbbair. Also changing the fuel lines and stopper like you have done ,I believe is a good idea.