Relocating Cooling System Rservoir

[ksatter26]

After finally getting my cooling system temperature sensor and gauge working and some discussions with my 303 Guru (London Ivey in Tampa) we determined that the location of the reservoir (positioned BELOW the highest point in the cooling system, ie., the elbow off the top of the cylinder head) was not proper. The reservoir needs to be above the highest point. I originally located the reservoir on the port side too low as can be seen here:

I made quite a few measurements and determined that I would be able to move the reservoir to the center of the firewall by fabricating a mount (from 0.75" L-angle stock). The new position and mount allows me to move the fill hose outlet ABOVE the cylinder head hose (up approximately 4") and STILL reside UNDER the nice bubble cowling. As before, I still need to remove the cowling to add fluid.

I was able to run the engine for a bit and noted that the coolant temperature sensor/gauge is working (finally). Earlier I installed a bleeder valve in the system and will bleed the system to get out any air in the lines.

After noting that the EGT sensor/gauge was also working, I shutdown the engine (sans prop) because the combination tach and CHT gauge was not registering. I believe this to be a minor problem to be remedied by replacing the CR2032 button battery in the instrument. I hope to get to that tomorrow morning before the triple digit heat forces me out of the shop.

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

Very nicely done Kurt. Looks like you're really down to minor tweaks and fixes. With Peer getting closer to active testing, you both might be in the air around the same time. I also spoke with Chris last week, and he's close to starting my kit. I hope to have it in the fall and be able to tap into your and Peer's knowledge when I start assembly.

Todd