503 cooling options

[Bushbabie]

I am currently installing 503 DCDI in tractor configuration. This will hang inverted and need to be enclosed in a full engine cowling. What are your thoughts will the standard fan cooling be sufficient or should I remove the fan and fit a free flow system across the fins? Has anybody done this or have experience I an inverted and enclosed 503?

[Duck Rogers]

The Skyfox, Mac CDL and Quicksilvers all came out with the 503 inverted, hanging above your head with the stock standard fan cooling shroud. Never had any problems with those.
Don't re-invent the wheel....

[Boet]

No problem in tractor config. You will score a couple of hosses too!! Do u have the cooling shroud. TIP: If at all possible, fit the engine upright. It will be far less prone to sparkplug fouling and flooding.

[Bushbabie]

Thanks for the comments. The Mac CDL and Quicksilver both have open engines and natural airflow is thru' the fan and over the fins. No I do not have a cooling shroud.
In Tractor setup the fan has to draw the air forward against the airflow to cool the fins. My concern is the internal heat generated eat under the nose being circulated back over the engine. If you remove the fan you score more horses but then need to make some sort of cooling shroud. If other planes such as the Skyfox or Koala use the 503 without modifying the cooling then that's all I need to know.

[Dobbs]

I am no fundi on specific cooling requirements, however, if you remove the fan and rely on ram air only, will it be sufficient if you have a long ground delay for whatever reason. Yes I know that other aircraft have this setup, it is just that the 503 cooling system has been designed with a fan, which may imply that the cooling fin area on the cylinders has a surface area which accommodates the air through put with a fan, and you may be overcooling at high speed and under cooling on the ground at idle.

PS - This is an opinion / thought only and just something to consider

[Bushbabie]

I guess the way to go is to ensure plenty of cool air into the cowling for the fan to draw from and a way for the hot air from the fins to exit directly from under the cowling. Definitely don't want top start reinventing what works well.