High oil temp

[Joshua Blackh4t]

Hi,

After annual with combined avionics install, I have noticed higher than previous oil temp. Its over 200 where previously I would expect between 180-200. It came a bit down with cown flaps.

I have noticed they didn't reseal around the cooler. Would this be likely to cause it?

I have occasionally seen higher than expected temps before but they normally aren't sustained. That has me thinking maybe the vernatherm is getting sticky?

But I'd like to first eliminate anything simple.

Also, the guage equals the OAT on start up. Although it could still be an issue because I'd expect the oil a bit cooler inside the cowling with no reflected heat. 

 

Edited March 19, 2025 by Joshua Blackh4t
Wrong photo

[Joshua Blackh4t]

Thats the temp in cruise with an OAT of 15 degrees C

Yes, I know my left tank guage is not working all the time. 

 

[Fritz1]

Simple things first, reseal whatever gaps you find, clean electrical connectors in oil temp circuit, if vernatherm was not taken out chances are slim that there is anything wrong with it, think of things that were changed or disassembled during annual

[A64Pilot]

Validate the gauge, easiest way I know of is to remove the sender and put it into boiling water, the outside of the sender might have to be grounded to the engine.

[Joshua Blackh4t]

Thanks,

I'll seal it up and see what happens.

If it keeps being too high I'll start troubleshooting.

 

[cliffy]

I would also suspect the cooler installation because of the upper screw you show in the picture has no edge distance 

to hold the top corner in place (with totally rusted screw). If someone was in there and didn't replace the hardware in that condition 

they need to go back in and redo it. 

Not trying to be harsh but work needs to be done around that cooler. 

[Joshua Blackh4t]

So I sealed around it with rtv and it seems to have helped. Probably 15 ° f with similar oat. However I'll see if it handles it when I go back to hot areas.

 

41 minutes ago, cliffy said:

I would also suspect the cooler installation because of the upper screw you show in the picture has no edge distance 

to hold the top corner in place (with totally rusted screw). If someone was in there and didn't replace the hardware in that condition 

they need to go back in and redo it. 

Not trying to be harsh but work needs to be done around that cooler. 

That doubler is solid riveted and will support the screw.

Unfortunately VH-CBA is a working plane and doesn't get the luxury of replacing everything as soon as its not optimal. That screw (and many similar) will still be structurally adequate up until the next time its removed.

The issue may have something with the nut plate clips not sealing as well as the original nuts, but I can imagine getting them off would be insanely difficult.