Many thanks to those who answered my plea for advice a week ago on my
poorly running 914. I really do appreciate the time you took to send
such sound technical advice and such supportive advice. (Flat spot when
increasing the throttle and sometimes cutting during acceleration).
First prize for accuracy of diagnosis must go to Kevin Dilks (He of
mobile support for Rotax engines fame), who commented that the factory
set up of 914's was often too lean and that often run better by lifting
the jet needles by one notch . We did just that yesterday (after
checking for bending/sticking throttle cables; leaky fuel pressure
connecting tubing; debris in the carbs - all OK).
Lifting the jet needles by one notch transformed the engine's operation.
The flat spot disappeared, and the engine accelerated smoothly through
to 100% and thence to 115% - repeatedly and without hesitation.
(We did have a secondary scare when the engine showed signs of fuel
starvation at 5000+ RPM. However, we immediately diagnosed, found and
rectified blocking fuel filters. A big reminder, especially to new
aircraft & those with refurbished fuel systems, how vital it is to check
those pesky fuel filters regularly. One of our filters was pretty well
blocked with very fine, dark debris after only 2+ hours of running from
new).
I really can't overstate how helpful everybody's advice was. (Nev,
thanks for the tip for transitioning from choke to throttle - works a
treat.!). As well as the technical advice, it was hugely comforting to
hear from others who'd had similar "teething troubles". I was pretty
despondent last week when I sent the plea. A day or two later I was
able to assemble a list of things to check, from everyone's advice and
cheered by the encouragement from you (Take a special bow, Justin
Kennedy, your note was a special morale booster..!). Now, after a
couple of days of implementing your suggestions, we appear (touch
wood..!) to have sorted the problem.
Thank you fellow Europa-ists and fellow forum-ites....!
Regards,
Dave
Dave Moore
XS Monowheel
Aberdeen, UK
Tel: Day: 01224 267815. Home: 01224 572041
|