Upgraded Oil Cooler Recommendations

carrollcw · #1 06-01-2015, 05:25 PM

In my 50 hour RV-7, I have sorted out most of my temp issues except for oil temperature. I cannot keep the temps below 200 during climb even while climbing out at 140 KIAS. They will come down below 200 once leveled off and running LOP, but not during ROP ops. Thus, I am thinking of investing in a different oil cooler than the one Vans supplies with the FF kit.

I have found an Aero Classics one that claims to drop the temps by approx 20 deg and will fit on my existing baffle mount (cylinder 4). Can anyone recommend the Aero Classic oil cooler and/or give me a recommendation for another BAFFLE MOUNTED oil cooler?

I do not intend to have this thread creep into the other firewall mounted oil cooler options. Just interested in better performing oil coolers that can easily replace my existing cooler.

Thanks!

Ironflight · #2 06-01-2015, 06:10 PM

Give the folks at Pacific Coolers a call and tell them about your setup - not only do they know their stuff and can give you a couple of options, my experience has been that they will match the lowest prices for any specific cooler - and they have them all. (Aero Classic is their brand BTW).

Paul

N941WR · #3 06-01-2015, 06:12 PM

The Lycoming manual states that 180*F is the desirable operational temperature and 245*F is the maximum oil temperature.

If you are exceeding 200*F in climb, I don't think that is a big deal as it will cool down once in cruise.

The other question I have is, once clear of obstacles, what do you climb at? I ask because once above 1000' AGL, I typically set up for a 500 FPM climb which provides good forward speed and helps keep things cool under the cowling. I've held this ROC from 1000 MSL all the way up to 15.5 and didn't have an oil temp issue. However, if your typical flight profile is lots of high power, low airspeed stuff like an acro pilot will do, then the standard oil cooler setup isn't going to work for you. (Some of the unlimited acro planes have two LARGE oil coolers.)

You didn't mention how your CHT's react in climb and/or if you have the piston cooling oil squirters installed. If you have the squirters, you are trading CHT temps for oil temps. I believe the Lycoming manual was written before the advent of those piston squirters, so what those temps may be "normal", for an engine with squirters.

If you are still worried about it, I swapped mine out with a SW 10599R. It is almost a drop in exact replacement.

BillL · #4 06-01-2015, 06:14 PM

There is a Niagara Cooler that has 9 rows (20003a vs 20002a) as opposed to the stock Vans 7 row. It is only slightly wider at the mounting flange holes.

Look at the performance charts, back calculate your heat rejection and you should be able to estimate your new oil-ambient temp spread.

Be Cool

Niagara coolers

DanH · #5 06-01-2015, 07:11 PM

Meggitt (Stewart Warner) specs, dimensions:

http://www.oilcoolers.com/LCHX_Specifications.pdf

Walt · #6 06-01-2015, 07:56 PM

I've seen improvments over the stock cooler using the SW/Meggit 8406R, it's interchangable with the stock baffle mounted cooler.

SHIPCHIEF · #7 06-01-2015, 10:03 PM

I've also heard that a spacer to set the cooler back from the cylinder head helps. I doesn't have to be very far, maybe 1/4" for the first try?

miyu1975 · #8 06-02-2015, 03:40 AM

To answer your question...I have been using Aero Classic oil cooler on mine and have been very happy with it. I believe I have the 10 row version.

drakerv · #9 06-02-2015, 06:35 AM

Stewart Warner 8406. Not copys.

Bubblehead · #10 06-02-2015, 06:40 AM

I think your oil temps are fine depending on OAT which I did not see mentioned. 200F is fine but if that is when OAT is 65F it will be much higher at 90F. Here in Texas in 100F OAT I was getting to 220 or 225 in a modest climb. This past winter I replaced my Aero Classic on the baffle with a AirFlow Systems 2006X on the firewall with 4" duct, slide door and fiberglass duct from AirFlow Systems. We have not had any hot weather yet here (just lots of rain) but I have the slide door open just a little and keep to 200F in a hard climb.

I'd finally gotten to the "go big or stay home" point with the oil cooler and like what I have now a lot. Once I fly in some hot weather I'll post pictures and more information.