----- Original Message -----

From: John Slade

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2005 12:19 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] A little down on power

I wonder if any of you expert Wanklers could comment on my latest issue.....

 

My turbo REW engine now starts almost instantly and runs very smoothly at all rpm ranges. There's little if any soot on the prop so long as I don't run too rich on take-off. My static used to be 4050. Lately it's been in the 3900's with 46 MAP. More MAP (I tried briefly up to 50 today) doesn't do a damn thing. There's plenty of power to take-off and climb, but not as much as I had way back when before a thousand changes because of which I can't pinpoint when the power changed. Could be fairly recent (in terms of hours) and after the new turbo was fitted. Could be partially a result of the hi-flow turbo, but I think not all.

 

I've never been able to get any more power past a certain throttle position. Its as though I get to a certain point, then more throttle and boost just makes it shudder a bit, so I back off. That "there aint no more" point on the throttle seems to be coming back toward the idle :) I've also noticed that shutting off the primary injectors almost kills the engine. If I struggle with it I CAN keep it running, but only just.

 

I'm currently flying on 87 Octane. Could this be impacting my ability to produce power this much? I'm working my way through the possible octanes to see how she behaves so as not to get caught out later. The next tankful will be 91, then 100LL. I've tried clean (not new) plugs. That's my next experiment. Any other thoughts or suggestions welcome.

 

John (flying, but not climbing as fast as I'd like)