Ground run up to prevent corrosion

[DonMuncy]

DS1980

I assume you are asking about the engine dehydrator rather than the hangar. If so, did you want a diagram or a photograph.

[DS1980]

Hi Don,

Yes, the dehydrator. Both diagram and photo would be great, as I like to see if the finished project looks like the way it should look. Is this your design, or is it a generic DIY?

[orionflt]

Hi Don,

Yes, the dehydrator. Both diagram and photo would be great, as I like to see if the finished project looks like the way it should look. Is this your design, or is it a generic DIY?

+1

[DonMuncy]

Orionflt, DS1980, and Jetdriven,

I put a photo of my dehydrator in my gallery, but the look of the unit is mostly irrelevant. I am writing up a detailed description of it, but it is too long for posting on this thread. I will PM the write-up to each of you, and anyone else who would like to have it.   

[DS1980]

Thanks Don, and I did see that photo. Is this something that I will need an engineering degree to build? I have University of Phoenix on hold......

[fantom]

Don, is your unit similar to this Tempest unit sold by Spruce?:

 

 

 

Protect Your Engine at a Low Cost with the new Tempest EPS AA1000.

<<<All engines accumulate moisture when they are not run every day. Moisture will oxidise and create rust in the engine causing potential damage as well as faulty oil analysis.

 

The Tempest AA1000 EPS pumps dry air into the engine oil filler cap and removes the moisture already in the engine. Continuous operation will prevent any additional moisture from accumulating. Removal of the moisture preserves and protects your engine saving you money and minimizing risks in the future.

Recommended by Aviation Consumer Report, TEXTRON Lycoming, and Teledyne Continental>>>

[DonMuncy]

I really do not know how the Tempest works, but from the description, it sounds similar. They apparently recommend running it full time, which indicates it has a low output pump. Mine uses a larger compressor and I run it 5 min a day. (A very well calculated WAG as to the necessary time) They don't say how they dry the air . Mine uses regenerateable silica pellets. They pump in from the top and presumably out the breather. I do it the opposite.

[triple8s]

I made dryer several years ago and have a two liter container filled with desiccant and I usually dry them out in the oven on. A cookie sheet when they get soggy (turn pink). I was wondering if others reuse their desiccant and f so what's the best way of drying them. Seems like it takes quite a bit of time in the oven to get dried out and almost seems more cost effective to buy new ones.

[Marauder]

Don, is your unit similar to this Tempest unit sold by Spruce?:

 

 

 

Protect Your Engine at a Low Cost with the new Tempest EPS AA1000.

<<<All engines accumulate moisture when they are not run every day. Moisture will oxidise and create rust in the engine causing potential damage as well as faulty oil analysis.

 

The Tempest AA1000 EPS pumps dry air into the engine oil filler cap and removes the moisture already in the engine. Continuous operation will prevent any additional moisture from accumulating. Removal of the moisture preserves and protects your engine saving you money and minimizing risks in the future.

Recommended by Aviation Consumer Report, TEXTRON Lycoming, and Teledyne Continental>>>

 

 

 I have seen one of these recently. Basically a divided plastic box, with aquarium pump on one side, dessicant on the other side. Tube runs to a special cork to fit the oil filler tube and the other side is open to pull in air.

 

I'm in the process of building one. Bought the same size aquarium pump from Walmart for $11 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Aqua-Culture-20-60-Gallon-Double-Outlet-Aquarium-Air-Pump-1-Ct-Fish-Aquatic-Pets/10532634,

 

Tubing at Walmart for $3 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Airline-Tubing-25/25998401

 

"vacuum" boxes at Harbor Freight for $12 http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-vacuum-preserving-container-set-98130.html

 

3 of these (two to connect the two boxes) and one for the pump side outlet: http://www.lowes.com/pd_69301-104-LFA96_1z10x6r+1z10xvy__?productId=3134975&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1%26page%3D1&facetInfo=Barb

 

I'm looking at both the color coding dessciant (blue to pink): http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_x_10029231-P_x_x?cm_mmc=ACQ-_-Google-_-GPLA-_-10029231&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=10029231&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=&gclid=CKCwkMruobwCFU5cfgodDBIA3A

 

And something I am more familiar with (alumina beads): https://www.killerfilter.com/desiccant-activated-alumina-50-lb-bag.html

 

My plan is to use one of the vacuum boxes to house the pump, attach a second box using tubing to draw air from the first vacuum box filled with dessicant through a tube to the second box with the pump then to an outlet to the engine oil filler attaching it with one of these: http://www.hometrainingtools.com/rubber-stopper--3-1-hole/p/CE-STOP03A/EID/14GPROD//gclid%3DCMKEsPTwobwCFQWTfgodSEAAog/ (let me double check the size tonight)

 

with one of these: http://www.lowes.com/pd_74420-104-LFA190_1z10x6r+1z10xvy__?productId=3135157&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1%26page%3D2&facetInfo=Barb (let me double check the size tonight)

 

Total cost: $57.64

[DonMuncy]

Triple8s,

I use activated alumina pellets. I heat mine in a flat cake pan. I have tried different temps and times, and think I use about 1 1/2 hrs at 350 degrees F. Since I only have to do them every 3 months or so, I don't find it to be a burden. The use of the oven is on the wife's budget, so free to me. 

[fantom]

 

Total cost: $57.64

 

Impressive, and I'd expect no less from our CB Club President

[Marauder]

Impressive, and I'd expect no less from our CB Club President

 

As your duly noted, although non-elected official I promise you all a moisture free engine. Of course, small print... in order to guarantee this promise, I will need to raise your taxes and cut services & benefits in other areas.

[jamesm]

I have  used the Tempest engine (preservation system ) dryer it is ok  but like someone has  already mentioned  pump runs all time so if are moist climates you wind up having to change out the desiccant every 3 days or so. if you decide to  go  the  Tempest route ... and you get the spare desiccant make sure it is says beads  other wise you might get the desiccant flakes which is mess and unusable, I told Spruce about this don't know  if they fixed the part number discrepancy and also see if you  can order a spare bag/pouch which holds the desiccant  which makes change out desiccant much easier.   One more thing make sure you get  the colored  desiccant  because there are some desiccant(s)  out there that do not change  color which seems point less to me.  I think it would have been better if  Tempest had more  desiccant reduce  amount of times you would  changing out the desiccant. I forget  the number of times you can dry out the saturated desiccant  before you have to replace it. So in this case more desiccant is better.

I am not sure how measure how effective the engine dryer concept is but I guess time will tell.

James

'67M20C

[DonMuncy]

As to the non colored desiccant, I got a bunch of little cardboard tabs you put into the desiccant that will change colors to indicate when they need regeneration. They are reuseable. Just reheat them just like the desiccant.

[fantom]

So do I buy one from Chris or Don?

[DonMuncy]

fantom,

See your PM.

[BigTex]

Hey Don... Could you send me the write-up as well?  I have a half built one that needs a couple of tweaks.

[PLN_FXR]

Please be careful when doing extended ground runs.  The cowling and baffling are almost always inadequate to provide proper airflow for cylinder cooling, and you'll develop hot spots that are likely much more hazardous to your engine than leaving her sit would be.  Also - regarding cold air not containing moisture - we had 21 degrees F below zero here this morning, yet I had to scrape frost off my windows prior to driving to work ... frost which condensed from moisture in the air.

 

No doubt, internal engine corrosion is nasty.  That being said, I have seen many engines that fly less than 20 hours for several years in a row make it to TBO and beyond (I wouldn't live long enough to see TBO on an engine that flew less than 20 hours every year).

[Marauder]

So do I buy one from Chris or Don?

 

Not me! I'm not into someone suing me because their engine quit because it was "too dry"

[DS1980]

I'm waiting for someone to sue the oil companies because they flew too long and their fuel tank became "too dry"

[jetdriven]

Please be careful when doing extended ground runs. The cowling and baffling are almost always inadequate to provide proper airflow for cylinder cooling, and you'll develop hot spots that are likely much more hazardous to your engine than leaving her sit would be. Also - regarding cold air not containing moisture - we had 21 degrees F below zero here this morning, yet I had to scrape frost off my windows prior to driving to work ... frost which condensed from moisture in the air.

No doubt, internal engine corrosion is nasty. That being said, I have seen many engines that fly less than 20 hours for several years in a row make it to TBO and beyond (I wouldn't live long enough to see TBO on an engine that flew less than 20 hours every year).

Good point about the baffling. Cooling depends on positive air pressure inflight, we don't have that on the ground. The atmosphere hold less water vapor at lower temperatures. That and rust of iron or steel stops basically at 32F. Here in Utica the cars left outside wont rust but garaged ones rust badly. I am not so sure about being under flown. Perhaps the metal of the lifters or the oil has changed but I think any plane that sits more than 14 days is at significant risk for cam and especially lifter rust which will cause failure. Almost every engine torn down shows signs of lifter and cam failure. Bob Bellville's plane was flown regularly on Aeroshell 100 oil and the lifters were bright red wih rust. It was torn down less than 2 weeks after it last flew.

[fantom]

 Almost every engine torn down shows signs of lifter and cam failure. Bob Bellville's plane was flown regularly on Aeroshell 100 oil and the lifters were bright red wih rust. It was torn down less than 2 weeks after it last flew.

 

We're all doomed

[Marauder]

We're all doomed

 

Some "doomed" more than others (Davie Florida 72 degrees and 91% humidity)... It's 15 degrees here with 35% humidity.

[fantom]

Some "doomed" more than others (Davie Florida 72 degrees and 91% humidity)... It's 15 degrees here with 35% humidity.

 

Trade you some rust for a little ice

 

[orionflt]

+1

Orionflt, DS1980, and Jetdriven,

I put a photo of my dehydrator in my gallery, but the look of the unit is mostly irrelevant. I am writing up a detailed description of it, but it is too long for posting on this thread. I will PM the write-up to each of you, and anyone else who would like to have it.

Thanks Don,

Here is my version, now I just need to order the desiccant.

Brian