Need recommendations for Lycoming 0-540 cruise leaning
I fly a 1964 Piper Cherokee 235 with a normally-aspirated Lycoming 0-540 B2B5 that has about 200 hours in it (runs great). I am trying to determine two things:
(1) What is the cruise EGT range of this engine, and
(2) Is 1450 degrees a good EGT at about 70% power for engine longevity?
I have a EI-brand single channel digital EGT, which I already know is not as accurate as a six channel. I use a target EGT method on climb, keeping the engine cool at about 1350 EGT. At cruise, I have been leaning back to 1450 EGT, and get about 12.5 GPH fuel burn up at 10K cruise or a little higher. But I have a mechanic telling me that it is better to run this engine at 1350 EGT and burn 14.5 GPH to keep CHTs down. But that is two gallons more per hour, not going to break my bank but 12 to 12.5 sounds more "average" for this engine. Email me if you care to: blog at av8rdan dot com.