Aerovee Turbo Kit

[MichaelFarley56]

Question for you Geary,

Did you install carb heat? I've been reading a little on the new Mk. II Rotec TBI's that are now being offered, and the factory claims both fuel pumps and carb heat is really not needed. In fact, other than an additional control cable used for priming, it appears the Rotec is nearly a "plug and play" replacement for the AeroCarb.

I'm curious what your experiences are and if you would consider fuel pumps/carb heat as necessary items. I just read your thoughts on fuel pumps...have you considered removing the pump from the system? The Rotec factory wording suggests the primer control could essentially be used during a fuel starvation situation to get the engine restarted.

Was there any other modifications you needed to perform when you added the TBI? Thank you!

[marsolgp]

Mike,

Easy question first… the only modifications 'needed' for Rotec TBI was the three cables and a reducer boot to mount TBI to intake system. And I suppose, if you have the TBI with the separate regulator, you have to figure out how and where to mount it. (I see the MkII has the regulator as part of the TBI like the Ellison). Once installed, adjust idle speed and mixture, then in my case, adjust max opening of slider and go fly.

I have added a plenum and carb heat. Mostly because I had nothing to do and weather kept me from flying… To me it's more a peace of mind kinda thing, like the fuel pump. I feel it's better to have them and not need them than the other way around. I have not knowingly experienced any carb ice and I understand these TBI's (AeroInjector and Rotec) don't lend themselves to carb ice as a throttle plated carburetor would, but……

The fuel pump is a flow thru (fuel flows freely through it when it's off) and has never been needed in flight.

This all kinda relates to the recent post about flying over the Sierras. It's a confidence thing… the more I fly this this engine combo the more confident I am that it won't let me down. I'll bet some on here can relate to flying along and feeling that 'stumble' in the engine and you pucker up for a few seconds wondering if it's gonna do it again.

So far (knock on wood) I'm happy and confident with my engine, turbo, fuel combo.

[SonexN76ET]

Geary, What model of fuel pump are you using with the Rotec TBI?

Thanks,

Jake

[marsolgp]

I'm using the Facet 40108. The one with the AN6 male fittings already on it. I've mounted it on the inside firewall just downstream of the tank shut off valve. Like I said, with this pump OFF, fuel still flows through it unrestricted.

[Waiex 176]

I've received my turbo kit and have read the manual, trying to prepare for the process. I have two questions for those who have completed the installation. 1. How did you modify the bottom cooling shroud? 2. Aeroinjector needle size? I thought I read somewhere a different needle was recommended. The turbo manual doesn't mention it, nor does the aeroinjector manual. I am waiting on a back ordered oil pump before I can begin.
Thanks
John (N176WS)

[marsolgp]

Can't answer the AeroInjector needle question (got Rotec TBI), but the cooling shroud, I just cut away everything that was in the way of the oil drain/sump filter assembly. The bottom oil cooler was replaced with the top mount unit. See pictures of mine back on page 4 of this thread. The pictures are big so you may have to save them to you're desktop (for instance) to see the whole photo.

[MichaelFarley56]

John,

The factory has a #2.5 needle in the factory demonstrator.

Geary, thank you for the wonderful insight!

[Fastcapy]

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[Sonerai13]

They were using a modified #2.5 needle.

The needle in our turbo's AeroInjector is not modified in any way. It's a stock 2.5 needle right out of the box.

[tmobbs]

Hi Geary

I have been studying those original photos of your turbo set up and have some more questions.

You said you had to move the main battery box: Where did you put the main battery in the end?

What is the piece of scat tubing doing? (Top left side of photo two - starboard side of aircraft)

Are the gold-coloured pieces underneath the engine but above the air filter part of your Rotec carby? (photo 3)

What is the device apparently mounted on the port side of the firewall extension (in side which the tank filler lives?) into which a number of cables lead? (photo 4)

Is that some kind of heat shield that you have installed in front of the fuel line between the gascolator and the carby? ( rectangular piece of aluminium, bottom of photo 3)

What is the silver coloured circular device on the port edge of the firewall about 10 inches up from the bottom? (photo 3)

Thanks for all your explanations

Tim Mobbs
Sonex#1555 Aerovee #0672
Bungay Suffolk England