Oil Cooler Shutter?

[ILikePike]

I have been running in the 160s in North GA since December. Just installed this today and plan to fly tomorrow. Do you think it will raise temps to the 180s for winter ops I would remove it for summer? I figured I could drill the 5 holes larger if temps run higher than I want.

[Bavafa]

Originally Posted by ILikePike

I have been running in the 160s in North GA since December. Just installed this today and plan to fly tomorrow. Do you think it will raise temps to the 180s for winter ops I would remove it for summer? I figured I could drill the 5 holes larger if temps run higher than I want.

I doubt it.... I made a shutter that would completely block the back side of the oil cooler and was controllable from the cockpit for summer time. It had hardly any effect when it was fully closed (about 5 degree) between fully closed and fully open. I end up buying one of the shutter that gets mounted in the front and now I can control the temp a great deal more.

[alpinelakespilot2000]

Originally Posted by ILikePike

I have been running in the 160s in North GA since December. Just installed this today and plan to fly tomorrow. Do you think it will raise temps to the 180s for winter ops I would remove it for summer? I figured I could drill the 5 holes larger if temps run higher than I want.

I have a very similar cover plate and it should do exactly what you need it to do. My full cover plate with no holes raises temps 30F at least. The only problem s that it is not adjustable. I had to pull the top cowl and remove it mid cross country last week because the west side of the Cascades was so much warmer than the East! Still, a very effective solution.

[ILikePike]

I flew today with the new winter baffle installed. 65F OAT on the ground, 40-50F OAT in cruise at 9500'. Oil temp in climb was 195F and 180-182F in cruise. Departure from KACJ 71F OAT, oil temp stayed <195F on departure. I plan to continue testing in hot weather and cold weather to determine if it needs to be larger or the holes need to be opened up. My plan is to work out some hardware to make it removable with one 1/4 turn fastener and only use it in winter.

[BruceP]

Originally Posted by PerfTech

...In process and shouldn't be much longer. We are keeping a list and will let everyone know when soon. Thanks, Allan...

Hi Allan, any update?

[Dugaru]

Originally Posted by mr.sun

I think I would like one that is adjustable thru the dipstick access in the cowl.

That's a really good idea.

[mfshook62]

It is my understanding that many Lycoming engines are equipped with a vernatherm to regulate oil flow thru the oil cooler. The vernatherm remains closed until the oil temperature reaches 180 deg F. and then it opens allowing the oil to circulate thru the cooler. On hot days, the oil flows thru the cooler, and on cold days the vernatherm shuts off oil flow to the cooler.

So, my question is, is an oil shutter necessary on an engine equipped with a vernatherm?

[gasman]

Originally Posted by gerrychuck

I use the nonstop aviation butterfly; I believe this unit is exactly the same, as Cleaveland took over selling them after nonstop went out of business. Mine may be the 3" version though:

http://www.cleavelandtool.com/4-AIR-.../#.WKiYXRgZPq1


I love it. I mounted mine between the rear baffle and the scat tube, and I have been really happy with it. With the knob in the cockpit, I can control my oil temp to a degree or two range very easily in flight. I understand one poster's concern about another cable through the firewall, but I find I am often adjusting in flight, so personally I really like having that ability.

This is exactly the results I have with the same unit....... Full control of the oil temperature. Heats up quick, and stays where I set it.

[Carl Froehlich]

Originally Posted by mfshook62

It is my understanding that many Lycoming engines are equipped with a vernatherm to regulate oil flow thru the oil cooler. The vernatherm remains closed until the oil temperature reaches 180 deg F. and then it opens allowing the oil to circulate thru the cooler. On hot days, the oil flows thru the cooler, and on cold days the vernatherm shuts off oil flow to the cooler.

So, my question is, is an oil shutter necessary on an engine equipped with a vernatherm?

Your discription is exactly opposite of how the vernatherm works. When cold the vernatherm is open allowing some oil to bypass the cooler. When hot it is shut so all oil goes to the cooler. So even when cold, some oil is alway going to the cooler.

I use a butterfly valve on my cooler - simple and very effective.

Carl

[Northernliving]

Anyone have any source for a cooler shutter? I have been emailing Alan for a number of weeks and doesn't appear that they are available yet. It's getting cold... and I could really use one!

Thanks,

Brian