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Message
Greetings,
The rev-4 configuration is
done, with the exception of touching up the tuning. Controller A is
running pretty well as is, but I'll tie the plane down and make at least a
couple runs through the MAP table to fix anything that's too far
out. After that, the only remaining item is to
fly.
I ended up making an
aluminum expansion tank, and installed it at the top of the firewall.
It has two fittings on the bottom, which go to the inlet, and outlet of the
water pump housing, to act as an air separator tank. There is another
fitting at the top that goes out to the overflow jug. I installed one of
the optical level sensors about 1-1/4" from the bottom of the tank, so I'll know
if the level drops. The new tank holds about 37 ounces, and I could
actually do away with the overflow jug if I need to. For now, I'll keep it
though.
I'm still running the
Evan's NPG-R coolant at 0 pressure, but found that the zero pressure cap that
Evan's sells leaks air. It doesn't seem to leak coolant out, but when the
engine cools, it sucks air in, rather than coolant, which is not ideal. I
ended up putting my old 30 psi cap back on, since it makes a positive seal
inside the filler neck. I then removed my coolant pressure sender, which
was only about an inch below the cap. A pipe nipple installed in that hole
is now my pressure out to the new tank. Unfortunately, the suction side
connection required removal of my temp sensor at the inlet of the water pump
housing. That means there won't be any measurements of the temp drop
across the evap cores.
I taxied all over the
airport today, and made a general nuisance of myself. Probably ran about
an hour. I did a number of extended runs from 4000 to 5000. The
plane is in significant danger of nosing over at 5000 rpm, so I didn't go any
higher while holding it stationary. I did run it to 5000, then release the
brakes and advance to near full throttle. The most I saw was
6100, but the FJO wideband said I was at 10.X AFR, so far richer than best
power. I expect to see at least 6400 static, at least when the engine
loosens up some. Oil never went over 155 (no duct in place), and the
Evan's got as high as 185 (ducts in place). The acceleration on those test
runs was stunning!
When I didn't have the prop
on the plane, I was able to idle as low as 800 or so, but now, it sounds like
I'm getting into gearbox rattle mode at 1100-1200 rpm. For the time being,
I've set the idle at 1400. I know that the gearbox will rattle at some
rpm, but I don't recall hearing what that was. What are you other RD1
guy's idling at?
All in all, I'm pretty
happy with what I've seen so far. Each revision just gets better, which of
course is the point :-)
Cheers,
Rusty (can't wait to hear
how Ed's new intake flies)
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