Robinson R22 – Cooling Inlet Lip Damage

Pilot found curved object in oil cooler inspection port, laid on top of the oil cooler.

*Image modified to remove identifying text

Maintenance Notes

Outcome: Unknown

That's off the scroll inlet lips. During normal operation the fan scroll expands and contracts, and if it shifts to below the specified gap then the fanwheel will take a piece of it off. From a practical standpoint there would be minimal effect on engine cooling, and in the winter cooling problems wouldn't be noticed at all.

These notes reflect reported observations at the time of submission and are provided for educational purposes only. They are not a determination of airworthiness and do not constitute maintenance or regulatory advice.

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