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Ever since we got our Pipistrel SW last year we have been dealing with high oil temps and the need to really baby the engine or not fly at all. (coolant/CHT temps are all in the green).

I re-sealed around the oil cooler cowl inlet and I've had good days and bad days.  On a 99F day I did a sustained climb with the temps at the lower end of the yellow.  Today when the temps were 85F I was in a cruise climb and the oil temps were high end of the yellow arc.  It's inconsistent.

According to Pipistrel, I should not be experiencing these temps so readily and that I really should not be experiencing these types of high oil temperatures so readily.

What are some good steps to take to bring these temps down?

Is there a way to readily verify proper operation of the remote oil thermostat?

Thanks for your help,

Glenn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Re: High Oil Temps - Pipistrel Virus SW

    by » 4 years ago


    What are your actual oil temps? 230F -245F during the summer hotter months can be normal. Seeing temps in the yellow is no big deal yellow just means hey take a look at me and make sure I don't go into the red. yellow is just your attention getter. That said the oil temps should go back down when you level off and reduce power which reduces engine load and should allow for more air flow through the cowl when in level flight.  Another way to help engine temps during hot months is to take off flatter with more speed to reduce engine load and keep more air flowing through the cowl.


    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


  • Re: High Oil Temps - Pipistrel Virus SW

    by » 4 years ago


    What size is your oil cooler? I upgraded to a large oil cooler with a oil thermostat and my temps now are normal in all temperatures and phases of flight.


  • Re: High Oil Temps - Pipistrel Virus SW

    by » 4 years ago


    Keeping tight turns out of oil hoses helps too.


    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


  • Re: High Oil Temps - Pipistrel Virus SW

    by » 4 years ago


    i suggest you for big oil cooler , as Garrett Wysocki also mentioned.

    The below link is from kitplanes "Oil Cooler 101" visit please

    https://www.kitplanes.com/oil-cooler-101/

    26657_2_oil-cooler-001.jpg (You do not have access to download this file.)

  • Re: High Oil Temps - Pipistrel Virus SW

    by » 4 years ago


    I struggled with high oil temps for several years and in spite of 2 strip-downs and rebuilds we could never find the source of the problem. Eventually I swapped the engine and that solved my problem. I kept the original ancilliaries including the oil cooler and hoses so I know that there was an issue in the old crankcase or heads.

    I know that this may not be helpful but my message would be don't spend too much time and money on trying to fix the problem with your existing engine. There comes a point when you have to cut your losses and get a replacement engine. I should have done this before my second rebuild, that would have saved me a year of fiddling and a fair chunk of cash. I hope that your's has a simpler and cheaper solution!


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