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BAFFLING IS BAFFLING
by Evan McCombs, Technical Advisor

Engine cooling baffling is one of the most critical parts of building or restoring any airplane.

Some kit planes provide good baffling parts or show good baffling plans however some don't show any baffling at all, it's up to the builder. For those who don't have plans or parts it is almost a necessity to copy someone else's successful design. On a normal tractor engine copy a certificated design, Cessna, Piper, Beech or Mooney have spent thousands of dollars working on baffle designs to keep cooling their engines efficiently. On other pusher or buried engine designs try to copy someone else who has been successful in avoiding the pitfalls of cracked cylinders, stuck valves or the horror of pre ignition or detonation which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

After building new baffling, keeping it in top shape is necessary to the longevity of possibly the single most expensive part of your project.

If you are dreading fabricating engine baffles for your 4 cylinder engine try this -- Think of baffling a Pratt and Whitney R-4360, 28 cylinders, 4 rows of 7 cylinders each. This engine produced between 3500 and 3800 horsepower.