RV-4 #2366, tail # N52BT made it's first flight today. It didn't make enough power , so only one lap of the traffic pattern was made before the pilot landed it. From a standpoint of flying qualities, it was just like any other RV-4s- no out of trim conditions or other bad habits. No note was made of MP at WOT, either on the ground or in the air, that's first on the agenda tomorrow.

 

But-- I only revved up to 4800 rpm on the downwind, so the flight was terminated. I have gotten 5500 on the ground with the cowl removed, which means the air cleaner was not in use. I am using a Fram paper filter, 6 inches by 14 inches. I think I am getting a big restriction from it, so I will remove it and try some ground runs. I also think I'm running way too rich, about 34- 7/8s up the scale on my EM2.

 

The good news is that neither the oil or coolant temps got over 160 the whole time, and the plane was waiting on the ground  for around  15 minutes due to traffic in the pattern prior to the flight.

 

So, I'm happy about the flight, but now must find out why I'm not making more umph.

 

Brian Trubee