Owners Manual

OWNERS MANUAL

SkyDry® Aircraft Engine Dehydrator “Minimizing Moisture. Maximizing Lifespan.”

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD AND SUPPLIED STRICTLY “AS IS” AND “WITH ALL FAULTS,” WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. SKYDRY, ITS OWNERS (INCLUDING JOSEPH), OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AFFILIATES, SUPPLIERS, AND SUCCESSORS (COLLECTIVELY “SKYDRY”) HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM AND EXCLUDE ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR THAT THE SYSTEM WILL PREVENT CORROSION, EXTEND ENGINE LIFE, OR OPERATE ERROR-FREE UNDER ALL CONDITIONS. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY SKYDRY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVES CREATES ANY WARRANTY.

USE, INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REMOVAL OF THE SKYDRY® SYSTEM IS ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S OWN RISK. THE USER (AND PILOT IN COMMAND) ASSUMES ALL RISKS OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ENGINE DAMAGE, CORROSION, AIRCRAFT DAMAGE, PROPERTY DAMAGE, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, COMMERCIAL LOSS, PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, OR ANY OTHER CONSEQUENCES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE SYSTEM, ITS INSTALLATION, USE, MISUSE, FAILURE, OR REMOVAL—EVEN IF SKYDRY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR IF SUCH DAMAGES ARE FORESEEABLE.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SKYDRY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY (CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, PRODUCT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE). SKYDRY’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY, IF ANY, IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PARTS AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THE LIMITED WARRANTY BELOW, AND IN NO EVENT SHALL EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID FOR THE SPECIFIC SKYDRY® UNIT INVOLVED.

The user is solely responsible for ensuring the system is installed, operated, maintained, and removed strictly in accordance with this manual, all applicable FAA regulations, the aircraft manufacturer’s recommendations, and accepted aviation maintenance practices. The pilot in command bears ultimate responsibility for the aircraft’s safety and must never fly unless all SkyDry® components have been removed and the engine is returned to normal configuration.

This manual is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, engineering, aviation, or maintenance advice. SkyDry strongly recommends review by a qualified aviation attorney and FAA-certificated mechanic prior to use.

1. Introduction The SkyDry® Aircraft Engine Dehydrator is a closed-loop humidity-control system intended to help reduce internal moisture in general aviation (GA) piston engines while the aircraft is parked and not in operation. SkyDry makes no guarantee regarding its effectiveness in preventing corrosion or extending engine life under all conditions. The system is to be used only when the engine is shut down and the aircraft is stored.

2. Safety Information

2.1 General Warnings

• The aircraft engine must be completely shut down, the master switch OFF, and the ignition system OFF before installing, operating, servicing, or removing the SkyDry® system.

• Never install or operate the system on or near a running engine.

• Only qualified, FAA-certificated personnel should install or service the system.

• The pilot in command is solely responsible for removing all SkyDry® components and verifying the engine is in normal configuration before every flight.

2.2 Environmental Safety

• Intended for indoor hangar use only.

·   Do not expose the unit to rain, standing water, or corrosive chemicals.

• Do not block airflow to or from the unit.

2.3 Operational Safety

• Ensure all hoses are securely connected to prevent unfiltered air entry.

• Do not modify the system or bypass any safety features.

3. System Overview SkyDry® is a sealed, closed-loop dehydrator intended to circulate air through the engine’s crankcase and cylinders while the aircraft is parked.

SkyDry® System Installation Example Photographs

Figure 1: SkyDry® installation example with main control unit   

Figure 2: SkyDry® exhaust port fittings and oil breather port connection               

Figure 3: Engine oil breather ice hole cover installation example          

Figure 4: Engine oil breather connection with oil catch bottle.  (There are two options to choose from)

Below is the Angled Version of the Oil Breather

Below is the Vertical Version of the Oil Breather

  

 Figure 5: SkyDry® inline oil filter adapter on inlet hose

3.1 Key Components

• Main Control Unit – Houses the blower, sensors, and control electronics (Figure 1)

• Desiccant Cartridge – Regenerable moisture-absorbing media • Closed-Loop Air       Hoses – Supply and return lines (Figures 1, 2)

• Oil Breather Tube Adapter (Figure 4) • Inline Bronze Filter – Protects desiccant from oil contamination (Figure 5)

• Crankcase Adapter – Connects to the engine oil filler port

• Humidity Sensor

• Ice Hole Clip Cover (Figure 3)

• Exhaust Pipe Adapters (Figure 2)

• Power Supply – Standard AC input with surge protection

 

3.2 System Capabilities Capabilities are approximate and subject to variables such as climate, engine condition, and usage. SkyDry makes no guarantee of specific performance.

4. How SkyDry® Works SkyDry® forms a sealed closed-loop circuit. Moist air is drawn from the engine, passed through the desiccant cartridge, and returned as dry air. The system automatically monitors relative humidity and adjusts operation accordingly.

SkyDry provides no warranty or guarantee of performance or outcomes.

5. Installation Instructions

5.1 Required Tools

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head)

• Clean lint-free cloths

• Grounded 120V AC outlet with surge protector and extension cord

Caution: Do not use Molykote or any grease/lubricant inside airflow path fittings. Such products can permanently damage the desiccant.

 

5.2 Mounting the Unit Place the SkyDry® unit on a stable rolling utility cart near the aircraft. Do not leave the unit on the ground. Ensure good ventilation and keep power cords elevated.

1. Highly recommend the use of a rolling utility cart with multiple trays for storage of accessory equipment

                  

     2.  Highly Recommended: Clean the oil breather tube interior before installation of the SkyDry Oil Breather Attachment.

                                                     

3. Cut or tear a strip of DuPont Sontara Aerospace-Grade Wipe and attach it to a Craftsman FlexClaw Mechanical Pickup Tool (CMMT14112).

                                        

   4. Using strips of DuPont Sontara Aerospace-Grade Wipes attached to a Craftsman       FlexClaw Pickup Tool (CMMT14112), clean the interior of the breather tube in the same manner as cleaning the inside of a gun barrel — gently working the wipe-tipped tool through the tube to absorb and remove oil residue. Repeat with fresh wipe strips until the tube is clean. DO NOT USE PAPER TOWEL. PAPER TOWEL RIPS EASILIY AND CAN BECOME STUCK INSIDE THE TUBE AND NEVER GO PAST THE ICE HOLE IN THE OIL BREATHER TUBE.

Do not use gun cleaning solvents or any non-aviation chemicals inside the breather tube. If a cleaner is needed, use only aviation-approved products.

The above items are not included with the SkyDry kit and must be purchased separately.

5.3 Installation Steps

1. Open the cowling.
2. Remove the engine manufacturer's oil dipstick and store it in a visible location.
3. WARNING: The aircraft's engine-manufactured oil dipstick must be reinstalled before flight.
4. Install the SkyDry® Oil Filler Cap with appropriate gasket(s). Tighten by hand only.
5. Connect all hoses and fittings as shown in the figures.
6. Center the Ice Hole Clip over the ice hole and secure it. The “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT” flag must remain fully visible (Figure 3).
7. Connect exhaust pipe adapters (Figure 2).
8. Ensure all connections are airtight.

5.4 Electrical Connection: Connect to a grounded AC outlet with surge protection. The unit will run an initial test cycle.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Normal Operation Plug in the unit after all connections are made. The system will automatically monitor humidity and operate as needed.

6.2 Recommended Usage: Use whenever the aircraft is parked and not operating for more than 24 hours.

6.3 Disassembly / Removal Instructions

1. Remove the SkyDry Oil Filler Cap hose and cap. Reinstall the engine's manufactured oil dipstick.
2. Remove the Ice Hole Clip and “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT” flag.
3. Disconnect all SkyDry items including but not limited to hoses and exhaust adapters.
4. Wipe components clean and store properly.
5. Do not drag any of the SkyDry hoses, fittings, or components across the ground when removing or installing the SkyDry system.

WARNING: The pilot is solely responsible for verifying that the engine-manufactured oil dipstick is installed and all SkyDry items have been completely removed before every flight. 

6.4 Desiccant Drying Instructions: Follow the convection or conventional oven instructions exactly as provided in your original manual. Use oven mitts and allow proper cooling.

LEFT                 Air Flow Direction Through Cartridge              RIGHT

 

DRYING INSTRUCTIONS-USING CONVECTION OVEN

1.       Position the rack at a level so the fan is blowing directly into the RIGHT mesh end of the desiccant cartridge.

2.       Place the Desiccant Cartridge on the rack in the middle of the oven with the RIGHT mesh end facing the oven’s convection fan to allow air flow through the Desiccant Cartridge from Right to Left.  

3.       Preheat oven to 445-465°F (Do not exceed 520°F)

4.       Bake for 4-5 hours, keeping the oven door closed.

5.       Turn off; allow to cool inside oven, keep oven door closed. Do not open the door to check. Estimated cool-down time is 3-4 hours. (Safe Handling Temperature is below 115°F, use oven mitts)

6.       Remove from oven and place into a sealed container. 

 

CONVENTIONAL OVEN INSTRUCTIONS

1.       Position the rack in middle of the oven. 

2.       Place the Desiccant Cartridge on the rack in the middle of the oven with the RIGHT Side mesh end facing toward the bottom of the oven. (Hot air rises, and this allows for the dried oven air to pass through the mesh end of the Desiccant Cartridge.)

3.       Preheat oven to 450-480°F (Do not exceed 520°F)

4.       Bake for 5-6 hours, keeping the oven door closed.

5.       Turn off; allow to cool inside oven, keep oven door closed. Do not open the door to check. Estimated cool-down time is 4.5-6 hours. (Safe Handling Temperature is below 115°F, use oven mitts)

6.       Remove from oven and place into a sealed container. 

 

7.      Maintenance Requirements

• Inspect desiccant every 3–6 months.

• Regenerate or replace desiccant when the system indicates saturation.

• Inspect hoses and fittings regularly. The user is solely responsible for all maintenance.

8. Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
High RH persists	Leaking hose or fitting	Inspect and reseal connections
Change desiccant message	Desiccant saturated	Replace or regenerate cartridge
No airflow	Blocked hose or blower fault	Clear obstruction; contact support
Unit won’t power on	Faulty outlet or power supply	Check outlet; replace power supply

 

9. Technical Specifications • Operating Voltage: 110–240V AC • Power Consumption: < 40W average • Airflow: Variable, up to 50 CFM • Operating Temperature: 32°F to 120°F

Specifications are approximate.

10. Storage & Handling Store in a dry environment. Do not store with a saturated desiccant installed.

11. Warranty Information: Refer to the separate SkyDry® Limited Warranty document. All warranty claims are subject to the limitations of liability stated in this manual.

12. Customer Support Contact SkyDry® support for assistance. Visit us at skydry.com