Continental Motors A Series Operator's Manual page 25

b. oil Temperatures: The oil cooler will maintain oil
temperature within the specified range unless the cooler oil
passages or air channels are obstructed. oil temperature above the
prescribed limit may cause a drop in oil pressure, leading to rapid
wear of moving parts in the engine.
c. Cylinder Head Temperature: Any temperature in excess of the
specified limit may cause cylinder or piston damage. Cooling of
cylinders depends on cylinder baffles being properly positioned on
the cylinder heads and barrels, and other joints in the pressure
compartment being tight so as to force air between the cylinder
fins. Proper cooling also depends on operation practices. Fuel and
air mixture ratio will affect cylinder temperature. Excessively lean
mixture causes overheating even when the cooling system is in
good condition. High power and low air speed, may cause
overheating by reducing the cooling air flow. The engine depends
on ram air flow developed by the forward motion of the aircraft
for adequate cooling.
d. Battery Charging: The ammeter should indicate a posltlve
charging rate until the power used for starting has been replaced
by the battery charging circuit, unless the electrical load on the
alternator is heavy enough to require its full output. The ammeter
reading should return to the positive side as soon as the load is
reduced. A low charging rate is normal after the initial recharging
of the battery. A zero reading or negative reading with no battery
load indicates a malfunction in the alternator or regulator system.
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