John Courte
Well Known Member
Today, I started climb tests. I finally got the prop adjusted to where it actually runs at 2700 on takeoff (Ok, 2690), and I got the baffles sealed up so that I don't go over 390, ever. I know there's room for improvement, and I'll fix it.
But today scared the **** out of me. I was doing a climb test, from 3500 to 7500, 100mph, WOT, 2680rpm. Just before I made it to 7500, my OP warning went off and my pressure reading dropped to 0. Of course, I put the nose down and backed off the throttle to 2300 (not instantaneously, but smartly) and reduced the prop rpm to 2300.
Oil pressure went back to a nice, comfortable 70psi, then I reduced power again for descent to the airport (I still stay close, I'm glad I do). The issue didn't reoccur. I got myself back on the ground and checked the oil. Same amount I had when I took off (short flight).
Not sure if this was terribly smart, but after checking the oil, checking the inside of the cowl, everything, I went up again. As long as I didn't push the RPM past 2600, no issues. If I increased to WOT/2700 and stayed level, no issues. If I climbed at 100mph for more than a couple of minutes, pressure would drop. There is a slight vibration at 2700, very slight, which may mean I need to balance my prop.
No change in RPM or engine sound, Oil temp remained normal and consistent, CHT's in normal range.
I'm really, really hoping this is a bad ground or a bad sensor.
Any ideas? I've searched the threads and it seems like I'm dealing with a bad ground, a bad sender, or I need to adjust the oil pressure on the engine.
This is a parallel-valve O-360-F1A6 converted to FI with AFP.
But today scared the **** out of me. I was doing a climb test, from 3500 to 7500, 100mph, WOT, 2680rpm. Just before I made it to 7500, my OP warning went off and my pressure reading dropped to 0. Of course, I put the nose down and backed off the throttle to 2300 (not instantaneously, but smartly) and reduced the prop rpm to 2300.
Oil pressure went back to a nice, comfortable 70psi, then I reduced power again for descent to the airport (I still stay close, I'm glad I do). The issue didn't reoccur. I got myself back on the ground and checked the oil. Same amount I had when I took off (short flight).
Not sure if this was terribly smart, but after checking the oil, checking the inside of the cowl, everything, I went up again. As long as I didn't push the RPM past 2600, no issues. If I increased to WOT/2700 and stayed level, no issues. If I climbed at 100mph for more than a couple of minutes, pressure would drop. There is a slight vibration at 2700, very slight, which may mean I need to balance my prop.
No change in RPM or engine sound, Oil temp remained normal and consistent, CHT's in normal range.
I'm really, really hoping this is a bad ground or a bad sensor.
Any ideas? I've searched the threads and it seems like I'm dealing with a bad ground, a bad sender, or I need to adjust the oil pressure on the engine.
This is a parallel-valve O-360-F1A6 converted to FI with AFP.