I bought the Cougar and her Cub a 91 AG Tiger a few years ago. I'm getting ready to upgrade the panel and also I want to do some work on the baffles to cool the CHTs a little.

I need some advice on a good shop that knows Tiger cooling secrets in the Southeast? Anyone know of a good one?

I just bought a JPI 900 to install and I'm installing a 530W in the panel as upgrading the baffles. Here are a few photos.

As a former Grumman owner, I've had really good luck keeping mine running cool and comfortable. The secret (which isn't much of a secret) is to properly manage the airflow from the inlets, through the cylinder fins, and out of the lower cowling exits.

My first reaction is that it looks like your baffle seals need to be replaced. The crinkling and folds in those seals at the top of the baffles are going to leak a lot of air. They should lie flat against the upper cowling when it's all buttoned up, keeping all the cool air from leaking out before it blows over the cylinder fins. Use a flashlight or bright shop light behind the baffle (with the cowling closed) and peek through the cowl inlets to check for light leaking around the edges of those rubber seals. If you see light, there is an air leak, which will result in higher CHT. Have your local A&P replace them and work to get really good seal there.

While he (or she) is in there, check the fit of the baffle material against the side of the cylinder fins and barrels. There should be no gaps at all. Any "hole" that allows air to avoid flowing between the fins should be eliminated.

The next thing to check is the "outlet ramps" on the lower cowling. These are the cooling outlets for the air entering the top of the cowling, flowing over the cylinders (through the cylinder fins) and exiting to the lower cowling. These can become "mushy" over time. If this happens, the low-pressure air outside the cowl tends to pull them closed, and that hit air has no place to go. Most cool-running Grummans have had their fiberglass ramps replaced with aluminum ones that are much stiffer and resist collapsing closed.

The last resort is to add a small deflector to the outside of the lower cowl, just in front of the cowl outlets. This can help pull additional cooling air through the cowl. Not sure if this requires an STC or just a 337, but I know a few folks who have had to do this to get their temperatures under control.

If you do all of these things, I would bet that your cooling problems will be dramatically removed.

If you want recommendations on Grumman-savvy shops near SC, I would make that inquiry on the Grumman Gang forum, where most of the Grumman Gurus hang out. It is the "BeechTalk" for Grummans, but is in the older "mailing list" format. See Grumman.net for how to subscribe and post questions.

Thanks Jim,

Those baffles do need to be replaced. Do you have a photo of the deflectors that you mentioned?

Also you said this...

"Grummans have had their fiberglass ramps replaced with aluminum ones that are much stiffer and resist collapsing closed".

What are you talking about?

True Flight
Valdosta, Ga.
They hold the type certificate and can assist you.

+1

Rick, let's do the 530W and 900 at FDW. We could do it over a weekend and I am sure Brian would give you a great deal since my labor is free.


Andy

Look at the bottom cowling on the inside. Towards the back, there are two rectangular openings in the bottom of the cowl. This is where the air exits the cowling. On the inside, there are two "ramps" that open at the front, and taper down to nothing at the back. If yours are still the fiberglass type, check to see if they are "mushy" when you push down (lightly!) on them. If they are mushy, they can "collapse" in flight and restrict the airflow through the cowling. Fix is either to reinforce them or replace them with aluminum ones.

Hope that makes sense.

But If your baffles and/or baffle seals need replacement, that would be the first step. I would send pictures, but I no longer own that airplane.

As former AA5 owner,

If you want the best then you'll take it to Houston.

http://www.fletchair.com

They are the authority. I've been in and out of Houston hobby there with mine, it's all good, just dodge the southwest planes. This is the place.

Just looked they have moved! Not in busy airspace anymore. Just do it.

Man, that is a long haul in a Tiger from SC. Its an easy trip in a Bo!