Winter Operations (Very Cold Temp)

The only opening you should cover up is the oil sump cooling opening, just under the prop. Skyport used to sell kits for a plate that attached with a single screw to cover that opening. I have discovered that with my 415C, that plate only brings the oil temp up about 10º or so. I have flown with temps at 16º Fahrenheit and the engine barely makes it to 140º and sometimes never gets past 135º, which is not in the green zone. I tried the oil sump blanket sold by Wage-Aero, and it didn't seem to help at all. But if you cover the oil sump opening you will run a little warmer. Do NOT cover the cylinder cooling openings. That could cause horrible things to happen to the engine! I've never had any breather issues.

Larry
N99340