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6 Mar 10

Reinstalled the starter today.  It failed to engage the ring gear the other day so shipped it to Skytec for warranty repair.  They said failure of the solenoid is common for RVs because they vibrate so much.  They changed to a new style solenoid and did a better job of securing it.  We'll see if it works.

The vibration certainly exists.  I had another vibration-induced crack in the baffling which required another frankenstein patch.

10 Mar 10

As I examined the engine, I found the left exhaust support bracket had broken again!  This is after I made it out of steel tubing.  So, I made another one - this time from aluminum tubing.  I'll see how long it lasts and then have to contact Vetterman for a more permanent fix.

I noticed several wear spots on the baffles and places where air was leaking, so I RTVed the baffles some more.

13 Mar 10        Today - 1.9        Total - 64.4

Flew today first time after reinstalling starter.  When I reinstalled the plenum, I left out the divider that separated the left and right sides to see if there was any difference.  Tough to say so far, so I'll take additional engine readings.  Today's readings are below.

High wind and rough ride today, so not a good day for GPS speed readings.

I formed the edges of the inspection covers to make them fit better

Two flights today - Gaggle flight with Steve Wright in his custom designed canard with Josh in the RCP and afternoon flight with Lee Strong in the RCP.

Engine Readings

It appears I need to increase the size of the air dam on cylinder 1 and add a small dam to cylinder 2.  Number 3 CHT is still running about 30-32 degrees hotter than number four.  I'll work to get numbers 1, 2, and 4 closer on temps and then work on reducing #3 temp.  Once I get them close, I'm going to begin an experiment to reduce the cooling air intake size to see if I can reduce cooling drag.

Another change I've decided to make is to use the NKG BR8EIX Iridium Plugs to replace my current BR8ES.  The center electrode on the iridium plugs is iridium plated, is much smaller, and produces a hotter spark.  It might produce a better burn pattern.

20 Mar 10        Today - 2.4        Total - 66.8        Actual Fuel - 37.46 Gal  18.1 L  19.4 R   Fuel Computer - 39.2  Adjusted to 700.

Hopped over to KMCO this morning to drop off daughter, Keri.  Then back in time to fly with the Gaggle Flight to KTIX for breakfast.  Finally a short flight with Jim Calhoun to compare numbers.  The numbers comparison was invalid because Jim's cockpit indications are inaccurate.  He's indicating 31 inches MP at WOT and 1000 MSL through a standard Van's filter system.  That is just not possible.  Also his airspeed indications are too high by about 25 MPH.  Our groundspeeds were within 2 knots, so either his IAS is wrong or mine is.  I've compared to other airplanes and was within a couple of knots, so I believe his is in error.  At full throttle, I began slowly passing him, but he had removed his upper gear leg fairings, so that was some drag.

It is apparent from my engine readings that I need to increase the size of the #1 cylinder air dam and add one to the #2 cylinder.  I will fine tune the size of the air dams to bring the #1 and #2 CHTs up to match #4.

Today I ran the fuel down to 4.5 gallons remaining and had no issues with the fuel tanks feeding in the both setting.  The right tank is feeding slightly more than the left, so the fuel remaining was 2.9 in the left and 1.6 in the right.

Before long I plan to borrow an oxygen bottle from a friend and climb the plane to FL240.  I believe it may be able to go that high with the higher HP and 3 blade prop.

25 Mar 10        Today - 0.9        Total - 67.7

Reversed the tires today to wear on the other edge.  That was s slow, dirty job.

Then hopped to KTIX to get my new gun.  Found out the left brake is weak now.  I must have gotten grease on the brake pads.  So, pant is pulled and ready for repair in AM.

Tomorrow I'll pull the schottky diode and switch the wires and do a test flight to confirm correct operation.

Engine Readings for today

26 Mar 10        Today - 0.5        Total - 68.2        Fuel - 14.6 G    6.9 L    7.7 R    Fuel Comp - 15.7    Adjusted to 693

Yesterday my left brake was very weak after reversing the tires, so I pulled the brake pad and cleaned the disk and pads.  Braking was a little better today although not 100 percent.

I did 1000' MSL full power runs for baseline.  I had 2670 RPM, 28.5" MP, 184 KIAS.  I'll use IAS for my comparisons.  The goal is 187 KIAS using speed improvements.

Engine Readings