REFLECTOR: Duct Ventillation

[John Dibble]

Several months ago, with the ideas of Barry and others, I ventillated my pilot side duct
to keep heat from oil lines entering the cabin.  It turned out a simple mod.  I just cut
a 2x2" opening in the outside skin, just ahead of the firewall, made a reverse scoop and
siliconed it over the cut out.  I also siliconed where the oil lines enter the engine
compartment to prevent air going to/from the engine compartment.  It keeps the duct area
nice and cool.
With the winter weather coming, the heat from the oil lines is no longer unwanted, so I
decided to put duct tape over the reverse scoop and departed on a 929 mile trip from MS
to NY.  Shortly after levelling off at 7500, something smelled like it was hot or
burning.  It was faint.  At first I thought it could be my brakes which I often smell
right after I retract, but they should have been cool by the time I reached cruise.  I
began feeling around.  The duct in front of the front seat was slightly warm.  Then I
reached behind with my left hand and the duct area was too hot to touch.  So I landed
and removed the tape.  No problems after that.  Has anyone else sealed the either duct
end and noted how warm the duct gets?

John