Tom Parkes wrote:

Five weeks ago I promised a report on my first turbo 20B start.  Could
it possibly have been that long?  Yes, every frustrating bit of it.  But
along the way I've been encouraged by Don Moncrieff's detailed reports
of his 13B start attempts, and benefited from various suggestions.
Specifically, Ed Anderson's mention of "noid lights" helped me narrow
down the "no ignition" gremlins to the fuel injectors themselves:  I had
fuel to the rails (40 psi) and computer signals to the injectors, but no
fuel in the combustion chambers (dry plugs).

Finally, success!  On November 14th I enjoyed the elation of a first
successful start, and although the engine ran a little rough, at least
it was running.  The next day I benefited from a local RX-7 owners
experiences, adjusted the MicroTec computer's fuel mixture (it had been
too lean), and enjoyed two smooth runs.

So, am I over the hill?  Hardly.  Judging from the white smoke and oil
leaks around the turbo and wastegate, it appears that the turbo's oil
seals have dried out and will have to be replaced.  But at least it
runs.

I've experienced several steep learning curves during the past four
years of home-building, and this latest one is just another "learning
experience" on the way to first flight.  My Lancair ES airframe is
virtually complete, so I'll be focusing on radios, seats and interior
appointments while refining engine operations.

And if that isn't enough, I was just elected President of EAA Chapter
658.

Also, I'd like to add my welcome to Skip Gorman, who had an early hand
in assembling my 20B back in Puyallup.  Perhaps Skip, or anyone else for
that matter, can help me understand why my fuel pressure jumps from 40
psi (prestart) to 65 psi as soon as I engage the starter, and drops back
to 40 after the engine is running.  Any ideas?

Tom Parkes
Lancair ES - Turbo 20B
tparkes@earthlink.net

How are you measuring the fuel pressure Tom? A guess at your problem might

be lack of supply voltage regulation to your measuring instrument.
Ian. W. Australia.

 
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