jbDC9
Well Known Member
I know Paul did a full 10 hr report a year ago, so I don't wanna repeat anything, but the Hobbs on my -8 QB just turned up to 11 (Spinal Tap!) yesterday, and have a couple of questions...
Oil canning/popping noises? I've heard it a few times coming from the tail area, not pulling any Gs, just motoring thru the bumps... an occasional "pop". Have others heard this type stuff? I've pulled the emp fairings, all nuts/bolts back there tight and secure, no noises when I wiggle and shake it... makes me wonder, is it just a "settling in" type thing? Last evening I worked up the nerve to pull a bit over a 2 G turn and all was quiet. I rode in the back of another -8 a month or so ago, did some loops, rolls, Immelmans, a spin, hammerhead, etc, pulling many Gs... I seem to recall hearing a couple of rattles there as well. Perhaps I'm just being a chicken...
Engine temps/CHTs? Cyl head temps (O-360-A1D) seem normal at cruise, 360 to 385 range on a cool (48 deg OAT) day. Rear cyls are warmest, no surprise there. I've noticed though, that during a low speed (85-90kt) climb the CHTs climb pretty rapidly towards 430-440 or so. It seems that a cruise climb at around 110 kts keeps the CHTs around 400/410 and still provides a pretty good climb rate. Does this seem fairly typical? Will the CHTs come down a bit as the engine breaks in and loosens up a bit? As far as oil temps go, all is well using the standard kit oil cooler, right around 178 to 188 degrees so far. Will be interesting to watch the changes next summer flying on 90+ degree days.
Now for a few observations;
At 8 hours I spotted my first skin crack, right where I might've expected it on an 8; it's on the cooling air ramp, F-867D stiffener. It's around a rivet at the end of the stiffener... looks like I get to practice my stop drilling. Even with the 4 into 1 pipe and its long extension down the ramp, it gets pretty rattly and noisy during takeoff and initial climb; smooths out nicely one the speed is up and power is back.
Manual elevator trim; love it! Very good, precise control. I wondered if I'd regret not using elec trim since I'm used to having it at my day job (737 driver), but I don't miss it a bit. Simple, works great, lasts a long time.
Classic Aero seats; expensive, but man are they comfortable. Spent 4+ hours in 'em yesterday, was as nice as sitting in my wife's Honda Accord. I bought the cloth set 2 yrs ago before the prices went up, got lucky there I guess...
Avionics/EFIS/autopilot integration and operation? Ummm, no, nothing to report on like Paul's setup, but my KX-125 navcom and Garmin 296 are getting along just fine! The TruTrak ADI is working as advertised, but the little airplane symbol is vibrating quite a bit and causing rub marks on the background. Might have to send this one in...
John B
RV-8 QB
Houston, TX
Oil canning/popping noises? I've heard it a few times coming from the tail area, not pulling any Gs, just motoring thru the bumps... an occasional "pop". Have others heard this type stuff? I've pulled the emp fairings, all nuts/bolts back there tight and secure, no noises when I wiggle and shake it... makes me wonder, is it just a "settling in" type thing? Last evening I worked up the nerve to pull a bit over a 2 G turn and all was quiet. I rode in the back of another -8 a month or so ago, did some loops, rolls, Immelmans, a spin, hammerhead, etc, pulling many Gs... I seem to recall hearing a couple of rattles there as well. Perhaps I'm just being a chicken...
Engine temps/CHTs? Cyl head temps (O-360-A1D) seem normal at cruise, 360 to 385 range on a cool (48 deg OAT) day. Rear cyls are warmest, no surprise there. I've noticed though, that during a low speed (85-90kt) climb the CHTs climb pretty rapidly towards 430-440 or so. It seems that a cruise climb at around 110 kts keeps the CHTs around 400/410 and still provides a pretty good climb rate. Does this seem fairly typical? Will the CHTs come down a bit as the engine breaks in and loosens up a bit? As far as oil temps go, all is well using the standard kit oil cooler, right around 178 to 188 degrees so far. Will be interesting to watch the changes next summer flying on 90+ degree days.
Now for a few observations;
At 8 hours I spotted my first skin crack, right where I might've expected it on an 8; it's on the cooling air ramp, F-867D stiffener. It's around a rivet at the end of the stiffener... looks like I get to practice my stop drilling. Even with the 4 into 1 pipe and its long extension down the ramp, it gets pretty rattly and noisy during takeoff and initial climb; smooths out nicely one the speed is up and power is back.
Manual elevator trim; love it! Very good, precise control. I wondered if I'd regret not using elec trim since I'm used to having it at my day job (737 driver), but I don't miss it a bit. Simple, works great, lasts a long time.
Classic Aero seats; expensive, but man are they comfortable. Spent 4+ hours in 'em yesterday, was as nice as sitting in my wife's Honda Accord. I bought the cloth set 2 yrs ago before the prices went up, got lucky there I guess...
Avionics/EFIS/autopilot integration and operation? Ummm, no, nothing to report on like Paul's setup, but my KX-125 navcom and Garmin 296 are getting along just fine! The TruTrak ADI is working as advertised, but the little airplane symbol is vibrating quite a bit and causing rub marks on the background. Might have to send this one in...
John B
RV-8 QB
Houston, TX
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