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