The question (as I interpret it) seems an important one inasmuch as
the answer essentially addresses the "airworthiness" of a given
Ercoupe, with or without said baffles. Always remember I'm NOT a
mechanic...I do have considerable engineering and legal experience
reading and interpreting applicable specifications necessary to the
supervision and inspection of installations by others.
As previously stated here, there are NO special cooling baffles
involved with a 415-C, or 415-CD with a 75 hp engine.
If one upgrades the original C-75 to C-85 spec. for operation at the
1400 lb. gross wt. of the 415-D under Type Certificate 787, then the
extra cooling baffles around the oil tank shown in the Ercoupe Parts
Manual, Fig. 17, Items 13, 14 & 15 are required (as explained in the
description of these items on p. 23).
Since the 1320 lb. STC was approved using data from the 415-D Model
under TC 787, logic would seem to dictate that flight operations at
the higher weight would require the extra cooling baffles that are
required on the 415-D when a C-85 is fitted.
I seem to recall someone knowledgeable having previously commented
that there was no actual flight testing associated with the review
and approval of said STC. It may be that the actual wording of the
STC paperwork does not specifically require the installation of these
baffles (I don't have a copy for reference, but would appreciate a
copy if anyone has the time and the inclination ;<).
It is likely demonstrable that at 1320 lbs. with "standard day"
conditions the extra baffles are not necessary to meet applicable
cooling criteria, but that's a potential financial mine field in
today's regulatory climate probably best not entered.
Hope this helps,
WRB
--
On Aug 27, 2010, at 16:05, Ronin Sensei wrote:
Can anybody direct me to, or send me, a detailed diagram and
instructions for installing the cooling baffles on a 1320 lb
Coupe? (or a D model, since they are the same, I understand).
This is driving my A&P crazy.
Any help will be appreciated.
Dave Winters
