garymc7

The previous owner of my XL fitted a retractable roller blind that pulls forward and clips in when needed. Works well for me.

 

 

I'm glad someone is asking about Sport Pilot. I have to say I find the Issuu not a great digital platform at all. It has a lot of stuff I have no interest in. When I open it I just see all this junk that I feel is being pushed at me. I should see Sport Pilot there but I have to type the name in to find it. Then it just doesn't seem to have taken advantage of the digital features I want, such as a clickable contents page or even a search bar. I have to flick through every page just like a printed mag, yet I have all this extra unwanted stuff. Sadly I rarely read Sport Pilot anymore. I'm not digitally illiterate. I have a computer science degree and too many i devices but Issuu just gets in the way. If I'm doing it wrong please tell me.

 

 

Got a concern or two

• That you are bending radiator hose around engine mounting frame etc. This is why you should be purchasing tube with a bend "moulded" in - no wonder your radiator hose collapsed.
   
   
  
• Hose with wire insert, either as part of the tube or removable/reusable, is usually much heavier than regular automotive hose so significant & unnecessary weight penalty.
   
   
  
• Wire insert hose, although flexibly, retains its desire to straighten, placing side loads on flanges.
   
   
  
• Any more than one "connecting piece" per tube is way too much - weight & potential for failure.
   
   
  

 

 

If you take the time to flick through an quality (including Gates but many others) automotive radiator/ coolant hose catalogue you will find appropriate hose for your application. It will be compatible with Rotax recommended coolant, have the correct heat range, probably lighter than any "Wire Insert" hose and be less likely to transmit vibration or put unexpected forces/strain on light weight radiator flanges.

I hear what you're saying Skip. My intent was to go by what comes with the Savannah kit, which is a single hose on each side of the radiator which snakes around and is stiffened with wire. It appears to be a rubber suction hose. I was just trying to match it but with one that I could be sure is made for coolant. It appears that the hose also plays a role in keeping the radiator tucked up into the belly, which simply hangs off a couple of flexible mounts. Anyway I'm happy with the solution for this aircraft. Cheers.

 

 

Thanks, lots of sensible suggestions. The problem I experienced on my Savannah with automotive coolant hose was certain sections collapsed when bent around the engine mount with the radiator hanging off them, plus the need to use copper angle pieces to avoid creasing the tube in tight bends.

 

I found the solution in Australia here: Gates Wire Inserted Green Stripe Coolant Hose | Cars & Light Trucks

 

Unlike traditional suction hose it has an EPDM liner for chemical compatibility with coolant. Other hoses such as marine wet exhaust are made of nitrile which is not so good I understand. Also it is rated to a higher temperature - 125C. This hose also has a bend radius of 2" so great for snaking through the system. And with the wire reinforcement it doesn't squash. It is available in 5' and 10' lengths. My 5 foot length cost $99 inc GST from CBC bearing company and they got it in overnight.

 

All fitted and ready to go. Hope this helps others.

 

 

Thanks, will do. Right now they could name their price!

 

 

Thanks for the replies. If possible I'd prefer not to build my own with wire and silicone hose or order something from the UK on EBay. Just wondering whether anyone in Australia has something? Bert Floods were not able to help as it's not a Rotax part.

 

 

For my 5 year hose replacement on my Savannah XL I need to find the 25mm radiator inlet and outlet hose with the wire coil for stiffness. 1m and 500mm. The list of places I've tried in Australia is getting ridiculously long - automotive, agricultural, bearing and hose specialists, rubber specialists, performance parts... Car radiator hose is too soft. Normal suction hose doesn't handle the temperature or the coolant chemicals. I'm told it has to be EPDM rubber but no-one can help. Any suggestions?

 

 

Hi everyone, I've been trawling these forums for a few weeks now finding out about kit planes and such. I have about 70 hours on the Jabiru flying out of Gawler, north of Adelaide, South Australia. Previous to this I have done some gliding and parachute jumps. Have settled on LSA's now, and lovin' it. Have always harboured a passion for aviation, and sadly spent too much time flight simming! My next step is to build my own aircraft - which is looking like being a Savannah. I'm an office worker and never done anything like this before, so I welcome any tips or contact with those who've been there before. Cheers, Gary.