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Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:32:58 -0500
From: Christopher Barber <CBarber@TexasAttorney.net>
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To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: LESS frustrating couple of days/weeks.....
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I took a couple of days off work and have been able to spend it out at 
the hangar.  Most everything is working better.  I have been cleaning up 
a bunch of "proof of concept" wiring.  As I messed with one set of wires 
and got them to what I think I want, I would take a breath and start up 
the engine to determine if I had screwed anything up.  Well, the engine 
is currently running really well and pretty darn cool for our 112 degree 
(down to 94 when the sun sets). I can idle indefinitely and even run it 
up to full power for a couple of minutes.  My oil is running much higher 
(20-30 degrees) than coolant so I am more mindful of it right now.

I am still having some issues though....gee, go figure.  I still cannot 
seem to beat the oil leak coming from my oil filter.  I have tried three 
separate new filters.  I have checked the mount as the seepage is coming 
from the base and it appears true and flat....however, I must be missing 
something and will likely replace it to hopefully lick the concern.  
Remember, if'n you can solve a problems with a check, it is not a 
problem, it is an expense <g>...it is only a problem if you can't afford 
the check.  I hope I order the right one from Summit Racing as not to 
have to reroute any systems.

Also, I thought I had my mixture meter working properly based on Ed's 
suggestion of better grounding.  Alas, I spoke too soon.  While I can 
use it, it is still jumping about erratically.  Yesterday I even bought 
a separate air/fuel meter to try to isolate it, however, both meters 
jump all over the place.  I checked the ground again, cleaned the 
mounting surface etc to no avail.  I may move the ground directly to the 
engine from the grounding block on the firewall.  I have a brand new O2 
sensor in the box too.  I will likely install it to see if it helps 
(btw, I am running Mogas, so it is lead free.....just a bit of ethanol 
<sigh>). The sensors are single lead, fyi.

Currently my biggest problem has nothing to do with the EC2/EM2 but it 
is something that effects both.  I am having a problem with my 
electrical system as a whole. Yes, I have mentioned this before and I 
have been trying to nail it down with little success.  I have a duel 
alternator/duel battery with crossover function where I can run each 
system independently or together per Bob Knuckles/Aeroelectrics Z-14 
diagrams. I am running the expensive B&C regulators on both systems with 
the stock alternators with the internal regulators disabled.  The system 
was not charging on either systems.  I had to use a jump box to start 
up.  I was taking reading off the alternator "B" leads and was only 
getting 12.5 volts on both.  I did something yesterday and my Secondary 
system is now working producing about 14 volts.  I hate that I do not 
yet know what I did to get it of work.  However, the Primary system is 
still only putting out 12.5 volts.  I have tried adjusting the regulator 
with no joy.  I can "Crossover" switch the system to have the good 
system power the entire plane, but I have some work to do to figure out 
what is wrong with the primary system and to determine what was up with 
the Secondary.  Since this can cause unknown additional issues, I got to 
lick it before real progress is made.  That being said, I am pleased 
with the other progress, even if it is just part of the total puzzle.

I was hoping my buddy who is very versed in aircraft electrical systems 
could make his way down as he could likely identify the problem in an 
hour where I may take weeks, if at all, to figure out whats up.  I am 
still developing electrical diagnostic skills, just now getting past the 
"buzz box" phase of a multimeter <g>...I can actually figure out ohms 
and volts....still figuring how it applies though.  However, he is off 
to Alaska for a week on  family vacation.  It will tickle me to be able 
to beat it before he gets back but if not there is still plenty of "busy 
work" to do.

Again, thanks guys.  I tend to make mental notes on what issues I have 
out at the hangar so to post them here.  Often, I figure it out but 
knowing y'all are here gives great piece of mind knowing I have some 
place to turn.  THANKS.

All the best,

Chris Barber
Velocity SE
Houston