Took my first flight in hot air (although only 10 degrees warmer than
previous flights). It was about
90 degrees and the sun was setting. I have noticed hot air coming out
from under the panel in the
past; but never this hot. In fact, tonight it was too hot to tolerate
even with the canopy wide open! I
had to turn around a land after about 10 minute flight.
Is this a common problem other have had?
Some details:
I've noticed that the "cabin air" was hot in the past so I insulated
the "scat" tubing that supplies
the cabin air and that has helped a lot. But this hot air is not
coming from cabin air vent.
There doesn't seem to be any one place it is coming through the
firewall and I suspect it is
just the ambient air circulating across the hot firewall.
Firewall has the aluminum foil insulation of the cabin side and is
bare on the engine side.
Fire wall seems to be well sealed around all wires, cables, hoses
going through it.
Cabin side of fire wall uncomfortable to touch on the insulation
foil and too hot to touch where
there is about an inch exposed at the bottom.
I have disconnected the heater scat tubing; but it didn't seem to be
coming from the heater vent.
The engine does not seem to be running hot and oil temp about normal
(190 degrees)...if temp
gauge is accurate.
There is only about an inch or less between the exhaust muff for
carb heat and the firewall. Do
I dare try to put insulation between those two or even insulate the
engine side of firewall?
Engine baffling seems to be in good shape and making a good seal
against the cowling.
Any thoughts, reassurance, or offers for fire insurance appreciated.
Dan Caliendo
Ercoupe Mach 0.14
3658H
