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Tuesday, 11 February 2025

Post First Engine Start - Review

The day after the first engine start I took a detailed look at everything firewall forward to see what I could see.  Overall, results were positive.

  • Slight fuel leak on the banjo fittings going into the pre filters (before the fuel pumps).  This leak has soaked the firesleeve on the line between the inlet and the firewall.  Will replace that firesleeve.
  • Everything prop related looks good.  Nothing untoward on the slip ring.
  • No chaffing on any wires
  • 3D printed inlets attached to the plenum show no signs of heat distortion.
  • Exhaust looks good
  • The engine puked its preservative.  This primarily came out of the slip joints on the exhaust and appears easily cleanable.
  • Oil level is good, and no discolouration at all.
  • Oil cooler appears good
  • Overall, everything survived AOK.
  • Downloaded the logs from the EFIS and loaded into Savvy.  EGT's 2, 3, 5 and 6 show 0.  Need to check configuration and/or wiring connections.  CHT's 3 and 5 also show 0.  Same check.
    • Note:  Advanced has added functionality that every engine parameter can be picked up off the CANBUS or discrete sensors.  Everything in my configuration is coming off the CANBUS EXCEPT the EGT's and CHT's.  I may have not flipped the ones showing 0 to discrete sensors through the EMS.
  • Talked to Tracy who has the same engine / prop and is flying.  He noted my MP is higher than his.  I had some of his logs and checked, and yes - about 2" higher.  But it was far colder (density altitude -980 feet the day the engine was fired) and very close to sea level.  This is something to watch.
  • Fuel flow at idle 1.6 GPH.  Fuel flow at 1500 RPM 4.1 GPH.
  • Weeping at the fuel drains on the main tanks.  Not surprised as I did not seal them as they are coming out for paint.
  • The header tank has 2 ultrasonic sensors to show fuel level.  The 1/3rd sensor warning goes off when the pumps are running.  Guessing this is due to turbulence at the tank due to suction from the pumps.  The 2/3rds is rock solid.  Tested this with the engine not running and behavior is the same as when the engine is running.
  • Fuel pressure consistent in the mid 30's.
  • I have two current sensors.  One shunt that shows everything to / from the batteries, and one on the engine bus (hall effect sensor).  At idle, the engine bus (ECU, coils, pumps, etc) was pulling 9 amps.  At 1500 RPM, 11 amps.
Overall, the only thing that needs to be 'fixed' is the leak, and the problematic EGT's and CHT's.

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