Avionics fans?

[455 Bravo Uniform]

My fan has started making weird noises. I can’t find anywhere in the 182P maintenance manual that shows the fan for a part number.

Mine is located by the pilot side kick panel. I can see the word “King”.

What should I replace it with? Do I even need to replace it or can I remove it?

Have not discussed in depth with my avionics guy yet.

 

[Jesse Saint]

At first, before reading the rest, I wanted to ask which fan. If it's the big fan up front, then you need an engine mechanic. The avionics fan, first make sure there is nothing (zip tie or wire) that is touching it and rattling like a card in a bike tire. Otherwise, you should be able to buy a replacement at Aircraft Spruce. Looks like you need a 2-port fan.

 

[asicer]

What are those ducts pointing at? From what I gather, most modern avionics have their own fans and don't need the standalone one.

 

[AV8R_87]

What are those ducts pointing at?

Usually at heatsinks located at the back of the unit. You'll see the ports on the avionics trays.

My fan has started making weird noises. I can’t find anywhere in the 182P maintenance manual that shows the fan for a part number.

Mine is located by the pilot side kick panel. I can see the word “King”.

What should I replace it with? Do I even need to replace it or can I remove it?

Have not discussed in depth with my avionics guy yet.View attachment 136955

Plug that open port on the fan.
If needed, replace with

Lonestar Cyclone - 21 Cooling Fan FAA PMA | Aircraft Spruce

Lonestar Cyclone - 21 Cooling Fan FAA PMA The Cyclone-21 is a compact (3 x 3 x 1

www.aircraftspruce.com

or

Sandia ACF 314 & ACF 328 (3 Port Fans) | Aircraft Spruce

Sandia ACF 314 & ACF 328 (3 Port Fans) The ACF 314 and ACF 328 simultaneously cool up to three avionics units. Operating on 14Vdc and 28 Vdc respectively the ACF 314 and ACF 328 supply up to 20 cubic feet of cooling air per minute, help

www.aircraftspruce.com

 

[robin ardoin]

I’m a fan of avionics.

Oh…..nevermind.

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

not a fan.....

 

[asicer]

What are those ducts pointing at?

Usually at heatsinks located at the back of the unit.

My question was directed at @455 Bravo Uniform and that particular panel. It was not a general question.

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

My question was directed at @455 Bravo Uniform and that particular panel. It was not a general question.

They are aimed to the sides of the avionics stack. I have a KX-155 and KMA-24 in there, along with a newer IFD-540 and Avidyne transponder. I’d rather ditch the fan if not needed. For now it’s in the Indiana winter…

 

[AV8R_87]

I have a KX-155 and KMA-24 in there, along with a newer IFD-540 and Avidyne transponder.

Get copies of the install manuals. They will tell you what the cooling requirements are, if any.

Some things have pretty extreme cooling requirements:

 

[asicer]

Get copies of the install manuals.

I can tell you right off the bat that the 155 wants an external fan (or at least that's my recollection from the last time I skimmed the IM). The KMA24 is a lot lower power so it might not. The newer stuff probably has built-in fans, but you should double check.

 

[AV8R_87]

KX-155 manual. Needs a minimum of 3.5 CFM.

https://www.seam-avionic.com/pdf/lavot6jkpa.pdf

KMA 24 manual recommends cooling if unit installed in a stack.

IFD-540 manual also recommends cooling for stack-mounted equipment.

So if you're going to keep/replace the cooling fan, might as well direct some air at the other units. I forgot the exact number (I think it was in the MIL handbook on component reliability), but I recall something like a doubling in MTBF for a 10°C reduction in operating temperature.

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

Thank you all. I’m about to head out to see if there’s anything making the baseball-card-in-my-bike-spokes sound before replacing it. And next time I’m in the panel I’ll make sure the ends of the hoses are aimed as strategically as possible.

Lesson learning as always - find the user manual and read it, doh!