Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Prior to our first flight of the day I was informed by Maintenance that our aircraft was an air return the previous evening due to a false overheat light on the right engine.  The previous crew had shut down the engine and and returned to the airport single engine. After touchdown the aircraft blew two tires and Maintenance spent the entire evening taking care of and trouble shooting the aircraft.  Their conclusion was that the overheat light was a false indication and; after having run tests; the system was checked and found to be working properly. After having been briefed by Maintenance; we proceeded with our preflight of the aircraft. After we pushed off the gate and had started both engines we noticed the #2 engine overheat light flicker but then remain off. We then tested the warning system again and it tested without fault. We then taxied out for departure and briefed that if we were to get that light on takeoff roll we would continue based on the history of the warning system and then check other indications after being airborne. The takeoff was normal and we continued on the departure per ATC instructions. After climbing through approximately 6;000 FT the right engine overheat warning light illuminated again. We leveled off at 10;000 FT and informed ATC that we would have to return due to the nature of our situation. We declared an emergency and conducted the engine #2 overheat warning QRH procedure after which the light extinguished.  We then tested the system for any faults. The system tested good and all engine instruments were showing normal with normal thrust on #2. The light never again illuminated the rest of the flight.We were then vectored for a visual approach. We landed below gross landing weight and proceeded to the gate.
The flight crew of an air carrier aircraft returned to their departure airport after receipt of an engine #2 overheat warning light.  The event duplicted a return to the airport for the same reason by the previous flight crew the night before.