Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Vans Aircraft RV-12 Airplane Build, Section 49: Cooling System (part 6)

Reference for this entry: page 49-05; 1.5 hours

As you probably noticed I first installed the heater door in a previous entry before installing the radiator on the RV-12 airplane. It just seamed easier than working a round the radiator. As for the radiator gap I could get it even across the face but could only get it down to 1/16" versus the 1/32" called out in the plans. I did call Van's on this and they said it wouldn't be a problem. The more important thing is that it doesn't rub against the radiator. Also be aware the is a service bulletin on ensuring the radiator is not interfered with either the heater door or radiator support. I will address this in another entry for the RV-12. Builder's note: I sealed the radiator support rivets with fuel seal before mounting the radiator.



Step 1: Bolt the EA RV-12 RADIATOR EGW Heat Exchanger to the F-1201C Firewall Bottom using the hardware called out by Van's Aircraft.

Step 2: Bolt the EA RV-12 RADIATOR EGW Heat Exchanger to the FF-1204A Cooler Box Face, FF-1204B Upper Cooler Box Rib and FF-1204C Lower Cooler Box Rib using the hardware called out in Figure 1. Extra washers may be required between the EGW heat exchanger and the cooler box face to fill any gaps between the parts.



Step 3: Slip the FF-1209 Seal Face over the EA RV-12 RADIATOR EGW Heat Exchanger and note where the upper and lower flanges of the seal face overlap the EGW heat exchanger. Remove the seal face and place a 1/8 inch bead of silicone across the upper and lower parts of the heat exchanger in the areas just noted. Slide the seal face back onto the EGW heat exchanger and tape it in place top and bottom. Run a bead of silicone down each side of the EGW heat exchanger covering the bend radius on the flanges of the seal face. Use a popsicle stick to smooth the silicone along each side of the heat exchanger.





Step 4: Install the FF-1208A Radiator Hose - Input (the end farthest from the spring) and FF-1208B Radiator Hose - Output to the EA RV-12 RADIATOR EGW Heat Exchanger using clamps as shown in Figure 1.





Step 5: Install a cushioned clamp around the FF-1208A RadiatorHose - Input then fasten the clamp to the WD-1201 Nose Gear Assembly with the bolt called out.

Builder's note: I used Loctite on this bolt.



This completes page 49-05 and this entry for the RV-12 airplane build.