Should I worry about high temperatures?

Q: Paul, I hope you are still answering these questions, as your experience with these engines will help set me at ease or push me to investigate further. I have an 0-320 Aerosport Power engine in my airplane and I put a new prop on it recently, which is a much better performance prop for my plane, but I have seen temperatures higher than what was our norm since that change. But based on your comments I read, maybe this is not a problem.

On a cool day — say 70° to 75°F — I am seeing about 180°F, but on a warm day — like this weekend it was 99° — I see temps around 220° in cruise and bumping into the yellow arc, which is above 220° up to 226°.

I want to make sure I am not doing any damage. Is this what you might expect on a warm day like that? Do you have any suggestions that could help get it down a bit if need be?

TOD WATKINS

A: Tod, I’m still here attempting to answer questions from all our great readers. Your question has a simple answer.

If you were seeing 220°-230° F on a 99° day, I’d say you’re right in the ballpark and should have nothing to worry about.

Not to bore you with specifics, but as I’ve mentioned in the past, the maximum allowable continuous oil temperature for all Lycoming engines is 245° F. So, what you’re seeing on those hot days is typically what I would expect.

The oil temperature you mentioned on a 70° to 75° day is just fine too.

Have fun and enjoy all the flight time you can get, especially since your new prop has improved the performance of your aircraft.

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