Posted for Art Jensen <flycassutts@yahoo.com>:

IO-550 operators,

See attached photo. I found this crack in the oil
cooler after 133 hours. A conversation with an A&P
indicates that he sees a lot of cracks in these
coolers. I didn't ask for his definition of "a lot."
My engine is out of warranty, however I have been
discussing the problem with Continental and trying to
get them to cover the cost for a new cooler.

I have also asked Tech Support a question that
required them to seek an engineer for input. But I am
still waiting for an answer. Maybe someone on LML can
answer the question.

If you look into the cavity where the oil temp probe
would fit you notice a milled hole that is offset from
the hole that takes the oil into the engine case.
Looking from the engine case side you can see that the
milled hole was drilled only 1/2 inch or so until it
met the hole drilled from the other direction so that
they are offset. My question to Tech Support is why
is this hole offset? Is it meant to be a restriction
to oil flow back into the case? I know my description
isn't very clear. You may have to see the oil cooler
to understand what I am asking.

Does anyone have any idea why this hole is drilled to
be offset? Also would there be any harm in grinding
this offset from both sides to help the oil flow
better?

Art Jensen
Legacy 927J