Baffle, Oil Radiator Inlet, Yak 50
Unlike the Yak 18T, 52 or 55, no provision was made on the factory Yak 50’s fiberglass Oil Cooler scoop for fitting a cold weather blocking panels.
These days, many Yak 50’s are to be found outside of Mother Russia, fulfilling a different mission in their new homes. Owners may find this device a useful modification that will keep your oil temperature in the green arc during the few months of the year that require it.
Just like TYC’s baffle for the 52, those four vertical tabs may be bent back to further block the exposed area of the Oil Cooler. The intent is to adjust them to find the sweet spot for your local winter operating conditions - then leave them at that angle. They are not intended nor will they survive more than 3 bending cycles.
This kit includes:
- 2 securing wire clips,
- a fixed hinge section that gets riveted to the lower mouth of the radiator scoop plus
- 2 upper clips that you rivet to the upper roof of the radiator scoop opening.
- 9 pop rivets are provided for installation.
- the baffle itself, with rubber mounts that go against the Oil Cooler face,
The baffle is anodized blue to distinguish it from the equivalent Yak 52 part. The two clips and fixed hinge are supplied clear anodized so you can paint them to match your oil scoop.
Installation.
1.Begin by placing the hinged assembly (as delivered) in situ.
2.With the rubber buffers firmly against the radiator fins, use a drill & Clecos to position the lower hinge ensuring the door appears centrally placed.
3.Next line up the small clips with the two prongs along the upper edge of the Oil baffle. The small joggles in the clip face downward & overlap the prong, preventing them from moving forward.
4.The two rivet holes in these upper clips are close together and use of Clecos may not be possible. Secure both these fixed upper clips with four of the nine pop rivets provided.
5.The pins of the wire clips are designed to be passed through the formed hinge holes from the center, outwards so the wire overlapping takes place at the outer edge of the baffle plate.
6.To release the baffle plate, after removing the wire clips, rotate the lower edge of the baffle forward toward you 45 degrees or so.
7.Move the baffle downward slightly so the upper prongs clear the upper clips, then remove it.
8.To install the baffle, first remove the wire clips then rotate the upper edge away from you as you engage the upper prongs behind the joggles of the upper fixed clip.
9.Swing the lower edge down until the hinge holes line up and secure the plate with the wire clips.
Make inspection of these wire clips part of your daily pre-flight, so that as the weather becomes warmer you do not overlook whether the baffle is still necessary for flight.