REFLECTOR: Update - Diverting to Sebastian

[timfwalsh01 at comcast.net]

Jon, 



I have asked Scott Swing for the fix, will pass along to the group once I receive.  Tim 



----- Original Message -----


From: "Jonathan Bachman" <jonathan.bachman at mtsi-va.com> 
To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org> 
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 10:53:05 PM 
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Update - Diverting to Sebastian 


Tim, can you please elaborate on the mod that Scott suggested for your tank that would not feed. I have an older Std RG that feeds slowly from the left tank and would like to remedy that. 


Jon Bachman 
N956 DR 

Sent from my iPad 

On Oct 14, 2012, at 3:46 PM, "Tim Walsh" < timfwalsh01 at comcast.net > wrote: 




Folks, 

While on a flight to Tampa, I encountered a fuel imbalance issue. 

I was able to stop at the Velocity factory on Sunday, where Scott Baker came to my rescue.  Scott brought me to  a hotel, and picked me up the next morning to see if we could get a new gas cap (actually, the old style cap).  I was able to obtain a cap, and was on my way to Tampa for the week.  Unfortunately, this did not solve the problem.  On the short flight from the factory to Tampa, I also started to encounter a rough engine – which really got my attention. 

On Friday, I was able to go back to the factory and have Scott Swing look at the plane (Scott Baker was going out of town).  Scott S took the old cap apart and found an old O ring, replaced it, and lubed it all up.  Should be no problem – YES!!  I was psyched.  A real bummer only flying on one tank.   

While there Scott S also looked at the plane (made sure the wings would not fall off) and said it was well built.  All looked good.  No kinked fuel/air vent lines. 

I also asked him about my inability to fill the tanks to the top.  I have a couple of times in the past, and the gas would leak out the vent lines, to the point of almost emptying both tanks.  He said yup, this was normal in the old aircraft.  I asked if there was a fix, “convert to the new venting system.”  I will have to look at that – but I wanted to take advantage of the great weather on the East Coast and head back to Virginia. 

Well, appears my fuel flow issue was not the result of the faulty cap.  I had to make two fuel stops on the way :-(  To make matters worse, my engine also started running rough every now and then.  To say this was a tad bit frustrating is an understatement.  I stopped and remained overnight in North Carolina.   

In the morning, I was looking fwd to the short flight, 1.5 hours to Virginia, in gorgeous weather.  When I did my run up – the engine was very rough.  I spoke to my A&P friend who said that it sounds like a fouled plug.  Well, I remember from my student days how to run up the engine and clean those puppies out.  No luck.   

My A&P sent over an experienced corporate pilot who really showed me how to aggressively clean the plugs (firewalled the throttle while leaning).  We did a test flight and it worked.  I was on pins and needles listening to the engine during my flight home (it was very smooth), but the fuel flow issue was still there. 

I just had a top end overhaul and my A&P friend wants me to run the engine hot.  Well, I did not lean aggressively enough!!  HUGE LESSON learned!!  I never leaned on the ground before - I was never taught that as a youngster.  I read articles about advanced leaning, but I stuck with my old ways – NO LONGER!! 

STRATUS – ADSB Wx enroute on the IPAD using Foreflight– AWESOME!!.  I really did have a real time comfort factor with knowing the Wx.  As my plane was not feeling well (Ok, one of the problems was a result of my mistake :-(  but I have learned!!)  I did love the fact I could see the Wx and divert if I had to.   

Now that I am home, I learned allot on this trip.  On the advice of Scott, I will install an air dam in front of the air vent on the wing that is not feeding, and see how that goes.  I will also aggressively lean!!   

Love the way the Velocity flies for a cross country trip.  I love this forum, and the way everyone comes to your assistance – THANKS ALL  Tim 

Velocity N129VA 






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