"Ross and Paula Richardson" wrote in message
...
I own a '65 Cessna Skyhawk with a Lycoming O-360-A1A turning a constant
speed prop. I recently read an article in the Cessna Pilot's Association
on too high of oil temperatures, but that is not my case. I have been in
contact with them and they also suggest I get the wisdom of the NG. The
oil temperature does not get anywhere near 180F even during the summer.
I have calibrated the temperature bulb by placing it in a bath of oil
along with a DMM thermometer and heating the oil to 180F and marking the
glass on the instrument. This is a factory OH engine with about 200
hours on it, but the old engine (2000 hrs) did the same thing.

At CPA suggestion I placed a oil cooler restrictor plate that cut down
the airflow opening to 1/3. This is modeled after the C-172M. My oil
cooler is mounted on the back left baffle above the cylinder. I went
flying the other day and it did not seem to affect the temperature at
all from not having it at all.

The 180F mark is in the middle (straight up) and the reading was 1/2 way
between the bottom of the green and the 180F mark. The outside air temp
was about 70F. Hey, its been warm here in North Texas. I was running
about 65% power.

Any ideas from this collective group.

Ross Richardson
a0452593 at ev1 dot net (that is ev one, not little L

You should check the rating on the vernitherm which is usually mounted on
the side of the cooler. It should have a rating on it. My Helio Courier
has low oil temp too but only because the vernitherm is a 165F unit. I am
thinking about replacing it with a 180F unit. You need to do this before
experimenting with blocking off part of the oil cooler.

Mike
MU-2