Sunday, May 22, 2022

Update 5/22/2022 Engine Run

 Completed canopy warning switch install and testing.

Secured cabin heat valve to closed position.

Installed rear seat backs, thigh supports, arm rests, center duct cover, belly brake actuator cover.

Ran engine to check idle setting, which was at about 1000 RPM.   Ran for about 15 minutes to warm the oil.  Cylinders stayed below 380.  #4 EGT was higher than the other cylinders but CGT's were very close.

The Air Fuel sensor shows around 10 when the VPX power circuit to it is off.  Goes to 13 when it is turned on and then goes to around 16 after a few seconds.  Since the probe has been replaced, seems the controller (14point7) may be bad.

After shut down, removed bottom cowl and set idle to approximately 690-720.  RPM fluctuated about 50 RPM when the Alternator Field was turned on/off.  Charging amps were around 20.

Ran both fuel pumps alternately, checked coils and had RPM drop when each coil was shut off.

Cowl screw near the sump pilot side will need some attention.  The fiberglass over pour foam is getting crushed so will need to be filled with flox.  Noticed the sump areas where pour foam was used seems to be shrinking.

Downloaded updated VFR charts but am getting a warning that the Dynon database is expired. 

Weather with either cross winds or low ceilings continues to be less than ideal for taxi testing or first flight.  

Found a "double bazooka" aviation antenna made out of coax that I'll try for the VOR and ILS antennas.  


https://www.westmountainradio.com/antenna_calculator_bazooka.php?frequency=333

Friday, May 6, 2022

Update 5/6/2022 Taxi Test

 Taxi tested (low speed) this morning.

Checked AROW etc. was available.  Air traffic was sporadic since this is the best weather we've had for days.  I loaded my truck up with some car dollies, tow straps, fire extinguisher and called a friend to help observe.

The #1 taxiway has some bumps that will launch the nose if going approximately 20 knots. 

The TX audio was low and my handheld audio was low. I tried both the Avidyne and Dynon radios, so probably didn't have the Mic close enough to my mouth.

The left brake seemed soft, but likely just needs to be bedded in.  Also found the lead ballast bricks had shifted and was stopping the left copilot pedal from going all the way forward.  The brakes got warm but not overly hot.  When running the engine up, the left brake wasn't holding adequately.  The brake temp sensors on the heat shields only got up to 100 F but the rotors were to hot to touch after the first pass and taxi back.

The cylinder temps stayed less than 400F (379).

The idle is set to low, engine died on the first test when pulling the throttle back.  I noted the throttle position where the engine idled adequately and when I got the bottom cowl off, set the idle screw to bottom out at that position.

On the 2nd test, saw my airspeed was at about 30 knots with the RPM at 1400-1500 and I briefly opened the throttle and saw about 2300 rpm.  The data logs later confirmed 2280 and GPS ground speed at 44.1, IAS at 44.7 Knots.