rvanstory
Well Known Member
I have a standard compression IO-540 that I run LOP in cruise. My injectors are balanced to .4 gph of each other. While cruising in smooth air, every once in a while, I feel a very small (but perceptible) "stumble" in the engine. I would not call it a "misfire" and you can't hear it at all (engine purrs like a kitten), only feel it. If I'm in smooth air and go to ROP, I don't feel the slight stumble at all.
In a webinar, Mike Busch once said that some pilots don't like LOP because their engine isn't "as smooth" as ROP. He agreed. He said he'd trade a little extra smoothness for lower fuel burn anyday. The suggestion was that you would experience a slightly rougher engine in LOP ops.
Here's my questions for brain trust:
1) Is a slight stumble once in a while normal while running LOP?
2) Could I possible have a spark issue? (weak plug or wire)
3) Would fine wire plugs help engine run smoother at LOP?
I'm not looking to debate LOP ops, just seeing if others have same experience.
In a webinar, Mike Busch once said that some pilots don't like LOP because their engine isn't "as smooth" as ROP. He agreed. He said he'd trade a little extra smoothness for lower fuel burn anyday. The suggestion was that you would experience a slightly rougher engine in LOP ops.
Here's my questions for brain trust:
1) Is a slight stumble once in a while normal while running LOP?
2) Could I possible have a spark issue? (weak plug or wire)
3) Would fine wire plugs help engine run smoother at LOP?
I'm not looking to debate LOP ops, just seeing if others have same experience.