LNC2 Drivers,

Well, I am experiencing my first cold weather flying with my new bird.  And, as I had expected I am seeing oil temps that are too cool.

First, an explanation of my oil cooling system.  I have a NACA duct on the lower right side of the cowl that feeds a 3" SCAT line to the left (pilot's) side of the firewall where the oil cooler is mounted.  The oil cooler's air exits out the cowl through dedicated shark gill louvers.

During the hot days of summer with OAT of 90degF+ and density altitude of 8,000'+ I get adequate cooling and maintain oil temps of 190-200degF.  During climb and while taxiing in after landing I will sometimes see 210-215degF.

Now that the OAT is 25-35degF I can get 185degF in climb but in cruise the oil temp settles out at about 145-155degF.  Much too cool to bake out the moisture in the oil.  Oh yea, I also run AeroShell 15W-50 oil.

A cockpit-controllable butterfly in line with my oil cooler feed air would be a very nice solution, but I also like to keep things simple.  With the cockpit adjustable solution, I fear the outside chance that it gets left restricting flow on a hot day or in climb and I overheat the oil for a real catastrophe!

The old Cessna 172 "winterization kit" included a plate that effectively reduced the area of the oil cooler feed air intake.  Don't remember the exact size, but this seems like a decent way to go and could easily be removed on a warmer day.

What have you more experienced LNC2 drivers done over the years?  I suspect that most of you don't have an adjustable air flow restrictor.  Do you just let it go an run cool?  Do you put tape over some of the oil cooler fins?  Restrictor plate on the air inlet?

What other "winterization" steps should be taken to fly safely in the winter with our LNC2s?

Thanks!

Dan Olsen
N320DK
Fort Collins, CO