Winter Operation: cowl opening airflow restrictors

L

Lachenmeyer

New member
Here in Northern Ohio it's been a very cold winter. I was up yesterday in my 1979 7ECA and OAT's at 2,500 feet were around -12 C. Like many of us, I run with a plate over the oil cooler in winter. That has helped raise oil temp's a bit when the OAT temp.'s are warmer, but when OAT's are this cold, I'm lucky to get my oil temp's into the 150 F range. I know this is 20 to 30 degrees too cold. Does anyone out there have pictures/ descriptions of cowling airflow restrictors (or whatever you call them), that have been developed for the fiberglass cowlings?

Thanks for any ideas
 
Did you ever figure out how to get your oil temp above 150F? I recently purchased a '74 7ECA (O-235-C1) and the oil temp stabilizes around 140F. Lycoming recommends 165F minimum, 180-220F typical.

I don't have an oil cooler. Climbing at full power, 65-70 mph, for 4000' got it up to about 150F. OAT was around freezing-- a typical low for western Oregon. So I have a problem similar to the one you posted.

I called ACA. They said this vintage 7ECA is notorious for low oil temps. The guy I spoke with said that other owners have made sheet metal covers to partially block the cooling air intakes. He said the covers should block no more than 50% of each opening. He said that ACA does not make these parts.

I have not found anything like this on the web, so I'm guessing it's not a STC'd modification. Should I go ahead and make some covers, anyway? Is there a better way to block airflow (like at the bottom where it exits)?

Or should I forget about getting the temp up and just change the oil more frequently? That's what the previous owner did, and the engine's in great shape. I don't want to screw it up.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!
 
Have you calibrated your temp gauge? I've found old analog gauges that were off by 20-40 degrees. I just heat up some water and drop the sensor bulb into it and compare your gauge reading with a know good thermometer.
 
In an effort to avoid wrenching on my new plane's engine, I just put a meat thermometer in the oil stream as I drained it. The thermometer and the dash gauge both read 140F, +/- a needle width.

That's just a spot check, but it will do for now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top