Electronics International TC-1P - Manual (Page 12)

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4. CHT Diagnostics:
The source of heat in an engine is from the combustion of the fuel/air mixture producing temperatures of
approximately 4000‘F. Some of this heat energy goes into heating the cylinder heads through radiation and
conduction. This heat is sinked away from the engine by the air flow over the cylinder heads. When the heat
being generated in the cylinder heads equalizes with the heat being sinked away, the cylinder head tempera-
ture will stabilize. If a problem arises in the combustion chamber or in the ability of the cooling system to
sink away heat, the CHT’s will be affected. To detect a problem, become familiar with your engine’s CHT
operating temperatures during run-up, climb, cruise and descent. Any differences from normal can be a sign
of trouble.
Continuous change in the CHT can also be a sign of trouble. Because of the large thermal mass of the
engine, the CHT’s change slowly after the initial climb. Any continuous change in one or all of the CHT’s
after this initial climb can be the sign of trouble. The rate and trend of this change can easily be detected
with Electronics International’s 1‘F resolution digital display. This information allows the pilot to make
changes in flight attitude or engine operation and see the effects almost instantaneously.
CHT's Operating Information