MartySantic
Well Known Member
Last week before leaving to witness the space shuttle launch, I flew the RV-12 after replacing the prop hub and adjusting the prop pitch. After climbout, I flew for about a minute at WOT (5600 rpm). After reducing the power I noticed a gasoline smell which lingered and it coincided with what felt like a momentary engine miss or shudder. I immediately reduced power and headed back to the airport. The same happened on my return to the airport.
After landing I immediately pulled the top cowl. The was ZERO evidence. No gasoline smell in the cockpit, in the engine compartment, the air filter, the fuel pump, or the carburetor overflow tube. The carb tray was dusty and there was no evidence of gas spilling onto the tray and creating a track in the dust.
With assistance, started the engine and ran the engine (on the ground) at various power settings to WOT for about 20-30 seconds with a friend observing the engine. Zero evidence of a fuel leak at the carb, the overflow tube, the fuel pump or any of the connections/fittings. There was no gasoline smell. No evidence of an engine miss on the ground. The gascolator sample was clean before the test flight.
Help! I am looking for troubleshooting ideas!! Based on a couple of previous threads.....carb float problem (but, it self corrected)? speck of dirt in the carb needle valve?
Will pull the bottom cowl today and continue to look. Hesitant to fly until I find something.
After landing I immediately pulled the top cowl. The was ZERO evidence. No gasoline smell in the cockpit, in the engine compartment, the air filter, the fuel pump, or the carburetor overflow tube. The carb tray was dusty and there was no evidence of gas spilling onto the tray and creating a track in the dust.
With assistance, started the engine and ran the engine (on the ground) at various power settings to WOT for about 20-30 seconds with a friend observing the engine. Zero evidence of a fuel leak at the carb, the overflow tube, the fuel pump or any of the connections/fittings. There was no gasoline smell. No evidence of an engine miss on the ground. The gascolator sample was clean before the test flight.
Help! I am looking for troubleshooting ideas!! Based on a couple of previous threads.....carb float problem (but, it self corrected)? speck of dirt in the carb needle valve?
Will pull the bottom cowl today and continue to look. Hesitant to fly until I find something.
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