A CRJ-200 crew shut an engine down during climbout because of a high oil temperature. An emergency was declared with a return to land at the departure airport.

Narrative

Departed on a repo flight after aircraft had executed a precautionary engine shutdown/diversion for low oil pressure the previous day. Mechanics were monitoring left hand engine on departure and shortly after reaching 10;000 FT the left hand oil temp went amber (150C and climbing). I had the First Officer take the radios while I referenced the QRH. The QRH directed us to reduce engine power to see if engine indications returned to normal. By this point the oil temp went red (163C) and per the QRH; we accomplished a precautionary shutdown. Departure was notified of our situation and we declared an emergency with intentions to return to our departure airport. After the single-engine preliminary landing checklist was performed; I took over flying pilot responsibilities and executed a visual approach to the left runway which was later changed to the right due to another aircraft emergency on the left. After landing; CFR trucks inspected the aircraft; found no damage; and we taxied back to the gate.