A system of baffles dirrcts air to ensure cooling on the backside of the cylinders. One thing that has not been mentioned is the Importance of baffle condition in controlling CHT's. I have seen many privately owned aircraft with cracked and bent baffles and/or tattered and torn flexible rub strips. Poor baffling will allow localized cylinder hot spots and increase inter cylinder CHT difference . This is one area where saving money on maintenence is a false economy.
In particular if you do not have the red silicone baffle rub strips, you should IMO fit them at the next annual.
Last edited by Big Pistons Forever; 28th August 2012 at 15:45.