Cessna 172RG Oil Temp redlined!!

[firebird5]

I am a mechanic working on a 1981 cessna 172 Rg Cutlass with a Lycoming 0-360-F1A6 engine. We are having problems with the oil temperature redlining during climbs and maneuvers. We have done everything we can think of and are looking now to see if anyone else has had the problem, and if so what have they done to fix it.

We have done the following:
Tested the oil cooler (it was also replace 3 times by the mechanics before us)
Tested the Vernatherm (also replaced by mechanics before us)
Tested the gauge and Sending unit
Improved the baffling
Checked cowl flap adjustments
We even have fins on our oil filter trying to get extra cooling off of it.

If anyone has any suggestions for fixing this problem, or any questions on our procedures please let us know. Thanks!

[Checkboard]

Low oil flow? A failing pump, or restricted oil gallery somewhere? Something in the sump reducing the amount of oil in the system?

[stevef]

What's the oil pressure like when the temperature redlines?
What grade of oil?
When did the problem first appear?

[bearfoil]

How long since major? What was the last Oil Analysis like? Who put the baffles and cowls back on? etc?

[Hedge36]

SteveF's question is likely the most telling: what pressure are you getting at each observed temperature point?

[Graybeard]

Have you not shot the messenger (gauge), or just take it at its word?

Running retarded is the easiest way to create overheating. Lean mixture can do it, too, of course.

GB

[Speedbird48]

Firebird 5,

This is a common problem with the 172RG (ask me how I know?). If you look at the rear baffle where the oil cooler fits you will see a large hole right next to it that feeds the cabin air. If the cabin air is off the air gets dumped into the cowling. With two large holes in the same area it follows that there is not enough air pressure in that area. The baffle sealing is very important on that model and any small leak needs attention.

My own airplane has the same problem here in the summer climbing out over the mountains and I add speed to try and compensate. As the temperature gets high so the oil pressure goes down so it is true. I have done all the fixes that you have including a sonic clean of the cooler and there was little change.

You could post the issue on the Cessna Pilot Associations web site and get a lot more answers.( cessna.org)

[firebird5]

Thank you for all of your info. It does seem to be a baffling problem along with numerous other minor issues such as the engine sitting lower because of old engine mounts etc.. We will continue to work on it and let you know what our final fix is.
Thanks again!