Latest AD 2009-12-14 for Ximango

[Webmaster]

Holliday Obrecht posted the following entry on 15Jun2009:

Just got the latest Ximango AD last week from the FAA, by email. Looks like everyone will be required to change their engine coolant from EVANS NPG + back to standard coolant within the next 20 hours time-in-service after July 17, 2009 or within 30 days after July 17, 2009, whichever comes first. Looks likes the EVANS coolant is flammable! But, the oil we use in the engine is flammable too! Guess we will have to change that to something else someday.

Some of us will be able to dodge this AD because we never changed over to the "new" coolant in the first place!! Something about the engine running at higher temps. turned me off from the EVANS coolant in the first place, as well as the high price, and oh, not being able to readily find it in the field during emergencies.

Holliday Obrecht
#135

[Webmaster]

John Lawton replied on 20Jun2009:

Hey Holliday,

Well, I've been wondering if the FAA would ever catch up on Evans. Haven't gotten my notice yet, but this has been a topic of discussion amongst the Europa builders group for several years, since most Europas use the 912/914 engines. (except mine and a handful of others)

I recall reading that flushing the coolant system thorougly is very important. Evans apparently isn't compatible with ethylene glycol or water. Seems like there is a Rotax SB that covers how to do it, though.

I have also read that Evans is flamable, but it has been reported that the danger isn't all that great. As you mentioned we have oil inside the cowl that is also flamable, not to mention gasoline, fiberglass resin, numerous plastic parts and paint, all of which are also flamable.

The Nannystate gooberment continues......

On the upside, looks like the next two days will be soarable here with 5-6 knot thermals and decent ridge conditions. It's been hotter than a three peckered billygoat here lately, though. Free sauna with every flight......

Regards,

John Lawton
Whitwell, TN (TN89)
Ximango #135

[John Lawton]

Greetings Team,

I've started looking at this coolant AD. Holliday and I were discussing it and a question has been raised regarding the size of the radiator cap.

Isn't the .9 bar cap supposed to be used for glycol/water mix and the 1.2 bar cap supposed to be used with Evans? The AD says to install a 1.2 bar cap after replacing the coolant with 50/50 glycol/water mix. Is this something unique to the Ximango or is it an FAA screw up?

Chuck, do you have any info on this?

Regards,

John Lawton
Whitwell, TN (TN89)
Ximango #135

[chuck]

The higher-pressure cap is a good thing to have, without regard to the coolant (Evans vs 50-50 glycol/water.) Everyone should change to the higher-pressure (18 psi) cap. Purchase it from Lockwood or CPS.

Chuck