LUBRICATION SYSTEM: In the pressure fed engine lubrication
system, I use synthetic oil exclusively, 15W50 grade. I have
retained the standard Mazda oil level warning system, with the
warning red light installed in the instrument panel between the 
oil pressure and temperature gages. The oil temperature and
pressure sensors are in the standard Mazda locations on the
engine.

I calibrated both the oil and coolant temperature gages by
immersing the probes in boiling water and marking the gage face
at 212 F.  I am careful not to let the engine temperatures go
above those marks.  The standard Mazda air-cooled oil cooler is
installed under the belly right under the feet of the pilot and
passenger. A fresh air scoop integral with the bottom part of
the cowling feeds air into it. Nothing fancy, but it cools the
oil adequately. 

I used to worry that the hot air exiting the oil cooler was
feeding into the airscoop to the antifreeze cooling system
radiator, but it seems not to matter too much, since the engine
cools adequately. Coming down from high altitude at low engine
rpm in cold weather, the oil temperature must be monitored or
will cool down to less that 145 F. I then control the oil
temperature by flattening the glide path and/or increasing
engine rpm.

Yvon Cournoyer
 
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