Making noise for the first time is a
wonderful feeling.
That fuel pressure sounds a bit high.
Should be closer to 40. Is it properly calibrated?
Calibrated? No. That’s going to be one of my
projects this week – figure out how to calibrate all temp and pressure
sensors. I know how to do the temp sensors – any suggestions on pressure
testing? Maybe something connected
to my air compressor – not sure the air compressor gauge is all that
accurate either.
3500-4000 rpm with a closed throttle! After 2 seconds of
hysteria I turned the key to off
Been there. Done that. Except that I was
in the hangar with a prop on, and a pretty Velocity 6 feet off the nose. I
barely got it stopped in time. :)
YIKES! Nope, no prop at this point. That
thing really scares me – and I really don’t want to lose that fear –
it’s a healthy fear!
Ah ha! The rear (#2) rotor’s injector wasn’t
firing.
Someone has to say it, so I'll guess it
might as well be me. The rotary was designed for 4 injectors, not 2. Loose one
on take off and, well, we all know what can happen. The engine will run
perfectly well on one set of injectors and one set of plugs, but I wouldn't
dream of taking off with one of these systems not working. Am I missing
something? Why did Atkins design out this important redundancy?
OK, I knew this would spark some debate …
let me start by saying that I really, really, really do appreciate the sentiments
and concerns of the “4 injector” proponents. It’s expressing
that concern and challenging one another that makes a
safer flying community.
Now, in my collection of compromises –
and all airplanes are a collection of compromises – the 2 injector choice
was one of those compromises.
Did I compensate in any way? You bet! I’ve
got substantial filtering ahead of the injectors to protect them.
Is that a guarantee? Nope. No guarantees
in this field of endeavor.
Do I feel comfortable? Well, about as
comfortable as anyone can feel who has assembled a full-sized airplane from flimsy
foam, itchy cloth, and really sticky glue! J
So, for now we’re going to stick
with the 2 injectors and put at least 10 hours of quality time on the engine
while on the ground and taxiing before we even begin to think about taking off.
Atkins flew with this intake system for almost 10 years on his RV without
incident – and I know he has sold engines to others as well. That’s
where I’m at – and I’ll keep everyone posted on progress.
Thanx,