From: charliesiv@att.net
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com (List Lancair)
Subject: Leaning
Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 12:03:35 +0000
Message-Id: <20010428120335.GRUW3742.mtiwmhc25.worldnet.att.net@webmail.worldnet.att.net>
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com

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It is coming around again.  The ROP vs. LOP.  
For those who would brand me a uninformed, 
inexperienced, heavy-handed operator of my engine, let 
me give you an outline of ancient experience, and and 
recent experience.
I have many, many, thousands of hours operating the 
Pratt & Whitney 4360 as a flight engineer on the C-124 
over the North Atlantic in the winter below 10,000 ft 
and in Africa over the Sahara in the summer. Also, on 
3350's on DC-6 and 7's around the US. Yes, we operated 
these airplanes LOP. But we put a gallon of the oil an 
hour (or more) into the upper cylinder through valve 
guides and piston rings. 
I see the major problem in the Continental is a upper 
cylinder lubricant shortfall when running LOP. Early 
ones especially. Have you considered why we still 
operate with low lead fuel? Lead lubricates valve guides.
I think if you are a burning a quart every two or three 
hours, equally distributed amongst all cylinders, you 
can run at LOP, and have enough lubricant for upper 
cylinder piston rings and valve guides.  The valve 
guides are seldom mentioned, but they are a problem.
I maintain that if you are running lean of peak, you 
need upper cylinder lubricant added in the form of 
Marvel Mystery Oil added to the fuel. Additionally, my 
engine will not run smooth LOP above 29" @ 2400RPM. By 
the way I have GAMI injectors. And Iridium plugs. (No 
help) 
Last fall I was forced into a engine overhaul, thanks to 
a cracked crankcase.  I had approximately 800 on my Top 
Care cylinders.  I had been experimenting with  LOP and 
my valve guides were worn to the point of needing 
replacement  and overhaul.  I replaced the cylinders, 
and swore I would take my own advice.  So Far so Good.

 So I have two factors. Smoothness and Lubricant. I can 
add the Marvel, But how do I get it smooth? I would love 
to burn 18 GPH and have cooler temps. BUT the price is 
too high. New Cyls at 800 hrs.
 One factor that should be taken into account in John 
Deakin's article "Those Fire Breathing Dragon's", he is 
not using our engine (TSIO-550).  Some of the GAMI 
charts were with a normally aspirated engine!! An 
article about Turbo'ed engines- and using NON-turbo 
engine charts. Go Figure.
Charlie K.

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