Hi Valin and Allyson,

 

When I installed my IO-550, Lancair tech support told me to either not install the oil cooler door or to wire it fully open if it was installed.  Maybe that would be okay for some types of flying, but it did not work at all for me.  I normally fly between 15,000' and 18,000', where it's always cold.  Without the oil cooler door, or with it fully open, my oil temperature was far below the recommended 185°F.  Even with the door fully closed, I often am lucky to get my oil temperature up to 175°F in the winter during cruise. 

 

If you fly exclusively at low altitude in a warm climate, you might get along without the ability to adjust the oil cooler door from the cockpit.  But if you fly high or in cold weather, I think you'll regret not having the ability to adjust the door. 

 

Dennis

Legacy, 650 hours