Low oil temp

B

Biplanephil

New member
This is my first winter with my 7GCBC. On a recent flight with surface temps of -1C my oil temp only got up to 120F. I live in NH, what will it be when it gets cold? And this is with the oil cooler blanking plate already installed. My question, is it harmful flying with this low oil temp? Also the blanking plate is mounted on the rear of the cooler, would it help to add a plate on the front of the cooler? And finally I’ve read about putting a restriction on the cowling inlets but I’ve also read this could modify the air flow which could lead to cylinder damage. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
 
This is typical, the reason I don't fly much below 30º F. The blocking plate only helps so much (only approved for the rear of the cooler).

The air intake block is IMHO a dangerous mod. There was someone in Wisconsin working on an STC, but has had a hard time getting it approved; I've seen it on others like Cubs, but I'm not that adventurous.

Another thing: Our fantastic Citabria heater stops putting out hot air somewhere between 20º and 30º F.
 
If I do fly this winter with oil temps around 120F, do I risk any damage to the engine? I like flying in the winter with outside temps in the 20F range. I’m in an unheated hangar so I always preheat the engine before starting. Actually I have an Aerotherm electric recirculating air heater and I keep my engine at a constant 60F all winter.
 
Lycoming recommends continuous operations with oil temp between 165 and 220*F. They also recommend an oil temp of >180 to burn impurities out of the oil.

I don't believe your engine will be damaged if you run lower oil temps as long as the oil is thin enough to circulate properly and is changed regularly.

I run Phillips 20w50 year round in my 7ECA-150.
 
You may want to look at your vernatherm. It’s function is to control oil temperature by regulating oil flow through the cooler. If it is stuck in the closed position, oil will be forced through the cooler and not allowed to by pass it. It would be unusual to fail in this position, but it is not difficult to remove and inspect.


Bill
 
The problem with low oil temp is that you will not evaporation the moisture caused by the combustion prosses, then that moisture sits in the sump contributing to cam and lifter rust. I have always covered the front of the oil cooler with duct tape or aluminum tape as needed to get the temp near the ideal 180 deg area.
As wpbarnar said above, and I agree, if the Vernatherm is stuck in the closed position, all the oil will go through the cooler, however the normal failure mode is for the Vernatherm to not extend, which allows oil to bypass the cooler.
Lycoming recommends 1 hour of operation at 165 - 180 deg to evaporate all the moisture from the oil.
Bill B
 
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