Oil cooler - Steve's Aircraft

john-ranger · Post by **john-ranger** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 01:19

Has anyone used this oil cooler? Steve's Aircraft has an STC on it STC-SA01768SE). I understand he does not make the spin on oil filter - just the cooler part. I had some issues this summer with my oil temp. climbing into the 205+ range and was thinking about trying to find a solution for it.

Post by **joea** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 09:59

John,

Which engine do you have on your Champ? This adapter on the left side in the top photo, the one that bolts to the engine, I believe works ONLY on a C-85/C90/O-200 series of engines that has the "finger shaped" pad on the left rear side of the engine.

There are TWO adapters in the photo, the one on the left that allows for a spin on oil filter, then the newer shiny one inbetween that allows for the oil cooler lines.

The shiny adapter that the oil filter is screwed onto is what Steve makes and it diverts oil from the engine down to the cooler and then back to the filter then returns it to the engine.

The adapter on the left that bolts onto the engine is made by FM products in Texas. They are not rare but not seen very often either.

BTW, an oil temp of 205 is not anything to worry about. When it gets to 215-220 then its time to power back and cool the oil down a bit. On my engine 225 is the max oil temp, and bet that yours is as well. Am not saying not to get the oil cooler (if it will fit) but your oil temps are not where it would mandate my buying one to keep flying as long as you can keep the temps below 215 or so. It would be nice to have and good for your engine.;

Joe

john-ranger · Post by **john-ranger** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 10:32

Joe,

I have the C85-12 engine. Glad to hear that my 205 degree temp. is not a thing to worry about. I still would like to get a spin on oil filter. I'll google the FM one that you mentioned and also see if there are others to consider. Thanks!~

Post by **joea** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 11:13

John,

Pls open your cowling on the left side and see if there is a three bolt mounting pad on the crankcase just where it meets the accy case on the back. If yes, then you are fine for this. There were evidently some -12 engines that did not have this pad but I understand very few. Its skinny and about 1 inch wide with a bolt on the top and bottom and one on the forward center.

A filter is IMHO a very good thing and I have one on my engine. Also if you went with the filter only I bet that it would lower your oil temps by possibly 5 degrees alone. It adds almost an extra quart of oil, and the oil going through the filter then the filter releasing some heat should help there.

Joe

john-ranger · Post by **john-ranger** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 11:28

I'll check. Thanks. I also found the FM filter in the Spruce catalog (about $221). I will order one if I can do it.

john-ranger · Post by **john-ranger** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 15:29

It does have this mounting pad and I purchased the unit through Aircraft Spruce.

Post by **joea** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 16:32

When it comes pls make sure that the A&P does everything in the instructions when it comes to mounting this part. Believe part of the requirements is to remove the screen from the oil screen assy from the engine when a filter is installed.

Why I do not know but have heard that its a requirement. Would be a good question to ask the FM company.

Joe

Mnflyer · Post by **Mnflyer** » Sat Nov 15, 2008 17:38

Hi YES it is required to remove the oil screen when installing the F&M oil filter. Its because after the oil filter is installed the oil screen will never get pulled and inspected thus it could fill with hard carbon and other stuff blocking it.
I installed one on my 0-200 Champ 2 yrs ago and wouldn't be with out it now, but they only install on the -12 engines C-75 thur o0-200, can't be installed on the -8 engines as there is no oil cooler adapter on them.

John in the summer when its hot I install a cool collar on the oil filter it brings the oil temp down about 10 degrees, the cool collar is also available from Aircraft Spruce.