REFLECTOR: ALL FIRED UP

Fri Aug 20 11:40:16 CDT 2004

I'm sure that Scott is right but if you do replace the governor gasket put one in that has a screen in it.  You have to order these special.  The others will work but lets more contamination reach the gov.  
A while back while running a new TIO-550 I ran up against a new one.  The governor that came with the complete package was one for a full feathering prop.   When running it up, it went into feather.  Boy was this a surprise.  But we checked the governor part number and sure enough it was the wrong one.  We installed the right one and all was well.  This was on a Legacy.  
In order to get the prop to change pitch it may take at least 1400RPM to have the pressure and flow to change the pitch.  So if you don't have a tach or a way to tell you are getting at least this RPM you may not have the flow to get it into a pitch change. Also if this is a new engine don't let it run very long below 1000 RPM or the rings won't have enough pressure on them for sealing and you can glaze up the cylinders real fast.  Run it just long enough to check for oil leaks and operation.  If new cylinders, you are generating the most heat when they are new.  If the engine wasn't run in on a test stand there are a few different procedures you must do before flight.  Without knowing all your conditions it hard to know what all you have.  
If your engine came off a fixed pitch prop configuration you may have the plug but if you know it wasn't you may have other problems, like the governor its self. I had a new governor hang up and the fly weights tore up the inside of the governor with a newly overhauled engine off a Navajo.  Tore the whole engine down and found nothing till we turned the governor shaft and found it hung up.  This sent aluminum through the whole engine.  Very little damage but a big scare.  I'm sure this is not your problem but I would check all the above before you go any further.  Make sure you have a tach of some kind before you go any further..  As well as oil pressure gauge, direct reading if need be.  
I hope I haven't confused you but please take small steps.  
Dave

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Scott Baker 
  To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list 
  Sent: Friday, August 20, 2004 4:12 AM
  Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: ALL FIRED UP

  I believe Dave is talking about re-configuring a fixed-pitch engine to allow constant speed propeller ops.  I'm pretty sure that your engine was "born" as a constant speed (most IO-540 engines are) - and the only thing necessary to get it ready for a cs prop is the removal of the plastic or thin metal plug that was inserted in the hub/flange to keep oil from dripping out during shipment.  The governor pad may have a plate (some engines are shipped with just a solid gasket) - which needs to be removed - to clear the way for a hydraulic governor and governor mounting gasket.  That should be "it".
  SB
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Tom Martino 
    To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list 
    Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 11:56 PM
    Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: ALL FIRED UP

    So far this has been the most helpful suggestion.  I NEVER knew about the inner plug!  Once again the Reflector comes through ... because there are a whole bunch of people smarter than me - including Dave!  Thanks Mr. Dent.

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Dave Dent [mailto:davedent at comcast.net] 
    Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 9:42 PM
    To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
    Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: ALL FIRED UP

    I just noticed your problem with the prop.  You said you removed the plug from your engine so you can run the C.S. prop.  But did you install the inner plug.  In order to run the fix pitch you have to remove the inner plug and install the outer plug.  But if you go back to a constant speed you have to install the inner plug.  In order to do this you have to order the right one and place it through the crank pass the governor transfer tube and tap it in place.  Some times they may have just drilled a hole through the  inner plug.  If it is the right size you can tap it and put a plug in it. But it is best to install a new one.  Look at the engine parts manual and you will see it.  The outer plug is the same on most of the Lycomings.  The inner plug is different on most because of the size of the cranks inner diameter.  Make sure to check this.  The C/S will not cycle without the inner plug installed.

    Dave

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

      From: Tom Martino 

      To: reflector at www.tvbf.org 

      Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 12:03 PM

      Subject: REFLECTOR: ALL FIRED UP

      I'll help break the silence.  I have fired up my IO-540 about 5 times so far.  It runs great and has a Lightspeed Electronic Ignition.

      However, when it comes to cycling the prop ... I never notice a change in pitch!  (I have an MT 4-blade)

      I know the governor is working and I removed the plug from the shaft ... 

      Someone said you really have to crank it up in RPM to get a change in pitch or it'll be too slow to notice.

      Unfortunately, I did not have my tack hooked up for these initial firings.  The tach is part of my EFIS system which has not yet been calibrated.  So, I can't really say what RPM I was running.

      It sure felt like enough to get at least some indication!  Any ideas?

      I am using straight mineral oil on my new engine (if that makes a difference). 

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