oil temp difference between engines (twin)

Joined: Dec 2007
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From: UK

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 542
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From: Europe
A 20 degree difference in oil temperature? Or a 20 difference in indicated oil temperature? Try swapping the sensors and see if the higher temperature follows the sensor. If so, change the sensor. If not, check the thermostats on the oil cooler circuits. An engine running 20 degrees hotter than another due to the engine itself is highly unlikely in my experience.
Joined: May 2002
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From: Wanaka, NZ
Even with the oil temps being within limits, if there is a change in trend over time it should be brought to the attention of a mechanic. If the 20deg temperature difference is normal for that aircraft, I would not worry about it.
Last edited by gulliBell; 16th May 2021 at 08:01.

Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Aus
Leaks in the oil cooler ducting downstream of the blower or partial blockage of same can be a cause. As Gulli says, the trend may tell you, but if its been there since an engine change it's still worthwhile having a check, duct leak, rag left in duct. Can't say I've ever seen such a discrepancy, but it's stretching the memory.
Theoretically I guess it's possible if the oil cooler bypass are out of sync but within the operating limits. My type specs were thermostat full open <57+-3°C, fully closed >67+-1°C, open >40PSID.
Theoretically I guess it's possible if the oil cooler bypass are out of sync but within the operating limits. My type specs were thermostat full open <57+-3°C, fully closed >67+-1°C, open >40PSID.

Joined: Jul 2011
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From: N/A
A 20 degree difference in oil temperature? Or a 20 difference in indicated oil temperature? Try swapping the sensors and see if the higher temperature follows the sensor. If so, change the sensor. If not, check the thermostats on the oil cooler circuits. An engine running 20 degrees hotter than another due to the engine itself is highly unlikely in my experience.


Joined: Jan 2019
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From: Cumbria
Has this suddenly happened? Does one engine appear to warm-up quicker? Is the Delta-T consistent at all stages of flight? ? Pressures OK? What temperatures are indicated when the engines are cold?
If this was a Medical Forum we'd probably be advising you to talk to your GP/doctor/physician, not just other patients.. Talk it over with your Continued Airworthiness guy or Mechanic/Engineer; that won't cost you a penny. They can advise the most cost-effective troubleshooting if they are concerned about it; for instance transposing the indicators and/or the temp transmitters.
If this was a Medical Forum we'd probably be advising you to talk to your GP/doctor/physician, not just other patients.. Talk it over with your Continued Airworthiness guy or Mechanic/Engineer; that won't cost you a penny. They can advise the most cost-effective troubleshooting if they are concerned about it; for instance transposing the indicators and/or the temp transmitters.
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: GA, USA
Is this in all phases of flight?
This could be a cowling issue or baffles or even mixture.
We need a little more info.
How old is the airplane, how old is the wiring, the gauges, when did the engines get overhauled, is oil consumption equal etc etc etc.
In the big scheme of things, no, this doesn’t have to be a problem but it could.
This could be a cowling issue or baffles or even mixture.
We need a little more info.
How old is the airplane, how old is the wiring, the gauges, when did the engines get overhauled, is oil consumption equal etc etc etc.
In the big scheme of things, no, this doesn’t have to be a problem but it could.
Last edited by B2N2; 16th May 2021 at 21:14.


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From: On the big blue planet
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: GA, USA

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