cooling the 85-12

oldguy · Post by **oldguy** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 23:46

Hi, hope someone can offer advice our 1946 champ with the 85-12 engine
conversion runs great but a little to hot in my opinion, here in Texas
at 88 degree temp. we see about 205 on gauge. Baffling all new and tight,
can anyone suggest ideas we can try.?

Jody Wittmeyer · Post by **Jody Wittmeyer** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 02:49

Do you have the "Y" pipe exhausts, or mufflers? Have found that with Hanlon wilson mufflers, temps run hotter, as the mufflers are very close to the oil kidney.

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 03:22

Do you have the 1.5" blast tube pointed at the oil screen. In the services letters, thats a requirement.

I went through the same ordeal about a year and a half ago.... here's the discussion... http://joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1049

nkh

Post by **joea** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:14

Have you checked the system to see if your temp gauge is accurate? Harbor Freight has IR digital thermometers for sale from time to time for $30 or so.

A temp of 205 is not that high. You want temps in this area to "boil" the bad stuff out of the oil. when I see the temps going in the 230-240 area I get concerned and 240-250 then its time to throttle back.

Have you seen the thread about Steve's Aircraft and their adapter to put an oil filter and oil cooler on the -12 engines? If you are really concerned about high oil temps, now we have an option that is legal and not that expensive. I am thinking about it just for the oil filter option.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:43

I agree with Joe. A oil temp of 205 is within the acceptable range. Usually with the 65's the problem is keeping the temperature up, but I understand the 85's tend to run hotter (more fuel/more rpm=more heat). The new generation of aircraft engine oils can also handle more heat before breaking down.

I expect that the average car (like my Pontiac) running down the road has a oil temperature well in excess of 200 degrees. Especially with a 195 degree engine thermostat. We just don't see it due to a lack of a oil temp gauge on most cars. Yet they run for 100,000 miles or more.

I always thought cowl flaps would be nice on a Champ.

Mike Berg

oldguy · Post by **oldguy** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 08:49

Sorry I have not replied sooner and I do appreciate the answers, I do have the Y pipes and a cooling tube was not installed to screens so that
will be my first fix. I do not believe the temp. is high enough to harm the engine but anything over 200 has always been a source of alarm for me. Will let you know how it turns out after some tweaking.

Post by **joea** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 09:20

Oldguy (name would be nice, we are friendly here)

Harbor Freight has a IR thermometer on sale right now that you might want to invest in. Usually $50+, they are now $29.99 and worth every penny. You just aim the beam at anything you want to measure and get an instant readout of the temp.

Tells a lot and is a lot easier than sticking something in the oil tank to measure it!