MD-80 Series (DC-9-80) Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
During climbout the oil temperature on the left engine began climbing along with the left fuel temp. About the time of level off at FL270; the left oil temperature light illuminated at 135 degrees. At this time the left fuel temp was approximately 88 degrees. At level off; the left oil temp continued to climb into the 145 degree range. At this point we elected to return to [departure airport] as we ran QRH procedure in preparation of possible engine shutdown. When the high oil temp light illuminated; I started the clock to observe the 15 minute limitation. At the 15 minute mark of oil temp above 135 degrees with the temp light illuminated; we shut down the left engine. We had already briefed the flight attendants and passengers that we would be returning to [departure airport]. It was a nice easy uneventful descent for a landing.
MD-80 First Officer reported left engine oil temperature increased on climbout; resulting in engine shutdown and return to departure airport after declaring an emergency.