Radiator Question

[IceFire]

Originally Posted by btasm

Thanks all for your help.

One last question, however. Is it me or does the 4.11.1 patch seem to enhance overheating?

Yes, in addition to what Aviar has posted from the 4.11 readme my suggestion would be to do the following:

- Cruise at 70-80% throttle.
- Keep radiators at least partially open to maintain the engine at a reasonable level of cooling.
- Fully open the radiator during low speed dogfights or high angle climbs.
- Use the "prop pitch" control to lower RPM (this works on most fighters except the FW190, Bf109, and Spitfire IX... slightly different mechanisms there). I tend to run at 70% on during level cruise and anywhere between 70% and 100% during combat. I find 90-95% is a sweet spot with the most power for less heat.

[K_Freddie]

1. Does using the radiator, in fact, help prevent overheating?

Even with radiators wide open you can overheat the engine - throttle back a bit, or reduce engine revs by more coarse Prop-Pitch (Lower %)

2. Does using the radiator (assuming it helps cooling) have a negative impact on performance and, if so, how much?

Yes.. depends on aircraft and how much radiator you use.

3. I assume that by "opening up" the radiator, the higher percentage it's open, the greater the cooling effect, correct?

Yes - but again is depends on how fast you're going and your altitude


Settings I've used..
Fw190: 50% throttle and 60% Prop-Pitch (PP) with radiators closed = cruise forever.

Me109: 45% Throttle + 50% PP with radiators closed = cruise forever.

Both settings (altitude dependent) produce fairly high cruising speeds and engine is cool on entry into combat

If in an emergency escape you can push the throttle to around 70% (same PP) with radiators at 1st setting and get away fairly easily - Just watch you Temp gauge and adjust radiator or throttle.


I find the inline allied planes too touchy on the temperature side.. they heat up very quickly