It turns out there is nothing wrong with the sensor although initial checks
with the ohm meter suggested this was the problem.
It seems to be much worse. and the problem is somewhere in the Grand Rapids
EIS unit. Not only is the oil temp wrong but most other readings are now
abnormal.
Guess well have to return it to Grand Rapids and see what they have to say.
Pity as the annual permit is due to expire in 10 days.
Carl pattinson
G-LABS (grounded for the time being)
----- Original Message -----
From: <n3eu@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Faulty Oil Temp sensor
>
> Carl & Dot wrote:
> > ...
> > I think my preferred choice would be to mount the sender in the return
line
> > from the bottom of the crank casing (would need a metal block to screw
into)
> > where I assume it would be at its hottest. An easier fix might be to
bolt it
> > into the oil tank somewhere. This would be simpler, and there would be
less
> > vibration. Possibly a hole tapped into the centre of the oil tank drain
plug
> > would work.
>
> I believe Rotax is sensing cooled oil -- not the hot stuff in the return
line nor similar in the tank, and they set the redline temp premised upon
the effect of mounting in the engine block where they do. I would caution
against any mod which cannot verify the Rotax redline temp is still valid,
or proper testing to set a new value. So far we have one reported instance
of a complete failure only alleged due to vibration. A google search I did
turns up nothing else, nor is there a service bulletin. If vibration can
fail the sensor, then the temp instrument will go blooey, so then just
replace it. A significant cause of homebuilt accidents is this type of
experimentation, resulting in doing things in ways not seen on production
aircraft for presumably valid reason.
>
> Regards,
> Fred F.
>
>
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