I flew my O-320E2D for four and a half hours today, playing with the red knob all day.
Not having much experience in general aviation other than the standard pilots licenses some forty years ago.
Apparently I was rather unfamiliar with the mixture control.
I can't remember it's use even being taught.
I'm glad I installed a vernier mixture control cable during the aircraft's major overhaul.
I also installed a monster throttle cable, all from McFarlane Aviation.
I wish I had installed a full engine analyzer instead of an single exhaust probe.
But it is just a primary/intermediate trainer for my children to use.
No problems with leaning on the ground.
But once airborne it wouldn't go past peak temp without running very rough.
When I got back, I changed the oil, which at 25 hours was due.
Now the cowlings are off, I will clean and rotate the spark plugs.
Then I'll see if I can get it to run lean of peak.
Then I will install THIS, which arrived last week.
If you are concerned about high cylinder head temperatures ruining your engine.
May I suggest a exhaust pipe shroud cover from Maple Leaf Aviation in Canada.
This cover stops air entering the lower engine cowl around the exhaust pipe.
The more efficient venture effect increases the airflow of the engine compartment exhaust, allegedly lowering cylinder head temperatures.
And it;s pretty cool looking too.
This shouldn't be an issue with running 'lean of peak' as this is supposed to lower cylinder head temperatures from peak anyway.
But from my limited experience.
Peak exhaust temperature which is at the beginning of the economy zone is more attainable than the lower end of the spectrum.
I think that your magneto, harness and spark plugs must be in tip-top condition to get the full drop from peak, and still run smoooooth.
There is no fuel saving from peak temperature over full lean of peak, just higher cylinder head temperatures.
I may have to stop thermal shock in the winter time if it is too effective by keeping the power on during approach.
Anyway, thank you for your help and input in educating me.
Last edited by button push ignored; 11th July 2017 at 23:03.