Light Aircraft Association

I'm interested in picking the brains and opinions of those who operate VW engines. I'm currently restoring a Taylor Mono and hope to flick the rebuilt engine into life in a couple of weeks.

I'm getting lots of varied, conflicting feedback about engine cooling. I'm not expecting a single 'right answer', but more perspectives would be helpful.

On the one hand, there are those saying that all you need is to ensure the heads are exposed to the breeze - no need for CHT gauges and other paraphernalia.

At the other end of the spectrum, there are those who are fanatical about ensuring there is a myriad of baffles routing air in lots of different directions.

The a/c I've been working on had just over 1kg of alu baffles on it. I understand that the 2 small baffles that sit underneath and between the heads are important, but in addition to this there are some big side scoops, baffles at the back...it's like a labyrinth of excess alu. That said, the heads are not exposed currently, but sit underneath a variety of cosmetic cowling.

What are your thoughts / experiences? Is overheating overexaggerated as a risk, or is it top of the worry list?

I'll be interested in the response to your question for when I install the Revmaster 2100D into my Menestrel, but my understanding is that cooling in VWs is important, and the more understanding you have of temperatures the better.

Tony Razzell

Friend runs a 2100 in his D18, after a fair bit of work now runs bit on the cold side