Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

I'm just finishing up a Hanger 9 Skylane that I picked up at a swap meet. It came with an OS 160FX rather than a gas or 4 stroke engine, and so is going to take some weight to bring the CG forward.

Will I be creating a problem by mounting the battery forward of the firewall? I've got a couple of options there. I can mount it to the engine box, or I can push it a bit further forward to gain some additional leverage by using zip ties to secure it to the engine mount. The engine is mounted at 90 degrees, which gives me a nice flat surface to support the battery and I can easily secure it.

In either event, whether I mount it to the box or the mount itself, it's going to take several strips of lead to complete the balance. Is there going to be too much heat under the cowl for the battery?

Thanks.

RE: Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

Here is a way that I have done it Bob

RE: Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

wrap it in plastic to keep out oil and try to isolate it from vibration,foam or foam rubber about 1/2 thick or so

RE: Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

I would also put another tie wrap in the opposite direction to keep it from sliding forward and backwards.

RE: Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

Mike, (and Brett and Aerowoof)

Thanks for the feedback. I gather that as long as it's securely fastened, and reasonably protected from fuel and oil that the heat under the cowl won't itself be a problem.

My wife was assisting me a bit last night when I was checking the CG. I said, "See? Now that Saito 200 would make all this mostly a non-issue. She wasn't buying it, and obviously....neither am I. :eek:

RE: Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

Hm.. I have a Seagull Super Star that I am about 3/4 finished. It only needs servo linkage, pull-pull rudder connections, and radio installation. I am using a brand new OS 1.60FX and was wondering about the CG. I guess I'll find out, won't I. It has a rather large cowl up front, but I won't be using it for the first several tanks of fuel, until I get everything dialed in, then I'll get that mounted. I've fit it in already, I will just leave it off for a short time.

Anyway, back to the battery. I am also using remote Glow Driver on this plane because, when finished, the darned engine will be almost inaccessable in there. That remote has it's own battery pack which I may wrap or seal up in something, perhaps RTV or Silicone, and then put it up front if I need the weight. I don't want to add lead.

CGr.

RE: Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

Hell, if you're going to go that big, go with a gasser. Costs less, more power and MUCH better on fuel price!

RE: Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

Well, her point is that I've already GOT the OS 160. I also think she sees the writing on the wall. If I pop for a different engine in the Cessna, then that will leave me the 160 looking for an airframe. She didn't just fall off the turnip truck. :)

Thanks for the information on mounting the battery. It looks to me like you just use longer bolts for the engine, and the portion that extends is used to fasten the ply for the battery. Pretty slick idea. Do you use any kind of rubber washers with the ply to absorb vibration or just rely on the foam?

I could see using a standard flat nut for the engine itself, then flat washer, rubber washer, plywood, another rubber washer, flat washer then a nylon lock nut. Overkill?

RE: Mount Battery Under Cowl?
 

HI,

I really don't like the idea of putting the battry forward of the fire wall. Putting it under the fuel tank is still forward of the CG and any weight ( lead , etc ) added under the motor would not be that much. I always put my battery inside a plastic bag , even under the fuel tank and its wraped in foam. I don't like going against the grain here, but the battery is one of the most important part of the plane. But do what you need to.

Plus, when you get over 10 planes or engines , they become invisable to the wife. Its like hiding a tree in a forest. Just not easly seen.

sticks