what engine temp is safe/ideal?

[rbridges]

I have an engine monitor with sensors for each cylinder.  IMO, I feel like I'm running rich.  What is the range you like to run for cylinder and exhaust temps?

[danb35]

Absolute EGT values are pretty much meaningless.  CHTs should be below 400 at all times, preferrably below 380.

[rbridges]

thanks.  I was trying to keep it under 350.  that's probably why I'm sucking down so much fuel. 

[docket]

And it really matters where your probes are in the system.  The Mooney gauge shows much hotter temps than the EI -- I have difficulty breaking 375 on the egt.

[skyking]

As long as i am around 380-400 i am comfy with that. My manual says 400 is the norm.

[rbridges]

Quote: skyking

As long as i am around 380-400 i am comfy with that. My manual says 400 is the norm.

[PTK]

CHT is the one to watch.  Lycoming says 500 but my own personal red line "do something now" is 400 and I have the JPI alarm there.  EGT is meaningless.  It is a measure of how hot the ambient air gets as we fly throughht he sky!  It is a measure of wasted energy from the expensive fuel.

[Lood]

I read an article way back by some pro that explained the effect that high temps have on airplane engine cylinders. I can't remember much, but I do remember that it cautioned seriously about temps going above 400. I've never, ever let mine go above  380. On climbout the max CHT is 360 and all are usually between 320-350 in the cruise. I run at around 75-80 deg ROP and on hot days, I keep the temps under control by slightly opening the cowl flaps.

[rbridges]

Quote: Lood

I read an article way back by some pro that explained the effect that high temps have on airplane engine cylinders. I can't remember much, but I do remember that it cautioned seriously about temps going above 400. I've never, ever let mine go above  380. On climbout the max CHT is 360 and all are usually between 320-350 in the cruise. I run at around 75-80 deg ROP and on hot days, I keep the temps under control by slightly opening the cowl flaps.

[Piloto]

You can adjust the cowl flaps to be slightly open (1/4" to 1/2" gap) in the closed position. This helps to keep the temperature down wihout having a reduction in speed. If you are experiencing high oil temperatures (M20J) just adjust the left cowl flap. The adjustment involves adjusting the cowl flaps actuating rods which takes 5 minutes to do it.

José  

[Earl]

I agree with keeping max CHT below 380.  I usually see around 360 on the hottest cylinder with a spread between hottest and coolest of around 70dF. 

[mooneyflyer]

Here's a great article on where to run the Temps on your engines.  Sorry if this has already been posted.

http://www.avweb.com/news/pelican/182583-1.html