RV-4 #2366, tail # N52BT made it's first flight today. It didn't make
enough power , so only one lap of the traffic pattern was made before the pilot
landed it. From a standpoint of flying qualities, it was just like any
other  RV-4s- no out of trim conditions or other bad habits. No note was made of
MP at  WOT, either on the ground or in the air, that's first on the agenda
tomorrow.

But-- I only revved up to 4800 rpm on the downwind, so the flight was
terminated. I have gotten 5500 on the ground with the cowl removed, which means
the air cleaner was not in use. I am using a Fram paper filter, 6 inches by
14  inches. I think I am getting a big restriction from it, so I will
remove it and  try some ground runs. I also think I'm running way too rich, about
34- 7/8s up  the scale on my EM2.

The good news is that neither the oil or coolant temps got over 160 the
whole time, and the plane was waiting on the ground  for around  15  minutes
due to traffic in the pattern prior to the flight.

So, I'm happy about the flight, but now must find out why I'm not making
more umph.

Brian Trubee

Get a manifold pressure gage Brian. That will tell you the drop
across your air filter. If you don't want to spend big bucks for
an A/C unit you can get a  cheap industrial version from McMaster Carr.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#vacuum-gauges/=8t472f

They are called vacuum gages and they read backwards compared
to an aircraft instrument but they are the same thing. A lot cheaper.

What is the diameter and pitch of your prop Brian? Do you
have the 2.17:1 gear box or the 2.85:1 gear box?

The throttle body looks fine. Are you sure the butterfly is wide
open?

Paul Lamar