AZ summers and cooling the 'air-cooled' engine becomes a challenge. Original design was not getting the job done and several reviews and re-evaluations/adjustments to other areas produced only marginal improvements.
Started trimming 1/4" off the top profile of the R inlet (Baffle deflector) in front of Cyl #1, but there was little noticeable reduction in the CHT for #1, until the deflector was totally removed, at which time it became the coolest of the cylinders. Clearly the #2 and #3 temps were 20-25 deg F higher at that point. Decided to re-install the deflector trimmed substantially down in area from the original design.
After that it was tested with a 102 deg F afternoon, long taxi and extended run-up for over 11 mins. The CHT was very consistent across all cylinders and the peaking was no more than 410 degs F for a few seconds in the worst condition. Time to go airborne and try it out on a take-off climb.
