Nope, I have never been able to do such a sustained static high rpm runs. All my high power test were for mere seconds, perhaps an entire minute on a few occasions. The temps would not have allowed such length of time at high power with no
real airflow. However, I have been able to let it idle on the ramp in 100 degree weather for over an hour...but again, at idle only.
Yes, I do have a three pound spring, thus low boost. I think I may have one weaker spring that I will likely install (1.5 lb spring) as to minimize turbo issues. As David stated, we often discussed flying without a turbo at first. However, I did (and
do) want to have it set up properly for turbo as to know what to expect AND to not have to be as concerned about a major change once/if certified. That is why I have not made the turbo waste gate adjustable. I wanted the turbo set up, but at a boost
that should minimize issues. After reading about folks boosting past 25 lbs online (in non aviation use), I figured 3 lbs would not be an issue. Also, the turbo substantially quiets the beast, a fact appreciated by myself and more notably my
hangar neighbors.
This plane has never flown. I have been too busy discovering failure modes in the engine. I have gotten much better at it than I would have liked. Even though some will use my examples to condemn the rotary, that, IMAO, would be misguided. These
issues are/were created by me. I have, and continue to learn. I joke about finding all the failure modes, but the reality is that I do know a LOT more about how the engine works and what to expect and MUCH of the mystery of the engine is drifting away.
The engine has lost most of its "magic" and is now becoming, what I hope to call and "aircraft engine"....a hopefully well tested machine. Just the fact that the idea of tearing open the engine to replace the apex seals, and soft parts since it is already
open, does not cause any undue anxiety, to me, it a quantum leap forward. Now, it has been regulated to a task and not a chore. (I am a guessin' y'all understand what I mean by that)
I think my problems have stemmed from mostly mixture and timing issues. It is my thought that the problems became somewhat circular. I had hard starting, so I would adjust to get it to start...then, it would run rough, so I
would adjust for better idle...then it may run poorly and or be hard to start, damage was done, thus aggravating the problem....ie, detonation, bent seals....thus really hard starting etc. The problems would build on themselves.
Also, these current issues are completely unrelated to some of my earlier problems (unless you count my ignorance/ineptness). Most notably when I had to rebuild following the failure of a brand new center iron when an inner water
gallery wall failed in the first hour. I know of know way to have prevented or prepared for that one. I do believe it to be an anomaly that I am happy about happening on the ground. Since I tend to post most information
as it happens in my quest for assistance and knowledge it may appear that more is going on than from one who post seldom. I find y'all's input too valuable not to post about it. Since I post often it may seem somewhat exaggerated
in the uninformed mind
My intercooler does not get any flow sitting on the ground, so that too is possibly an issue but I do not think the major one. A related issue is that I have had problems with my EGT readings on the EM2. I have
mentioned that here before but since I have been buying new apex seals, purchasing new EGT senders got pushed down one level. Perhaps I can get some on there way today. What that means it that I have not been
able to monitor EGT values.
I used mineral oil to break in the engine. After getting about ten hours on it I switched to Royal Purple pure synthetic and have been using that since.
I think I addressed most issues that where mentioned. Thanks for the food for thought. I hope to get to the hangar today after work to clean my work area up before I crack open the engine, hopefully, tomorrow.
As always thank for the constructive feedback. On some sights I would have to don a flame suite if I posted looking for insight. While some of the stuff can sting a bit (since I may have a tinge of feeling stupid), never, more than it helps.
Chris