Engine Condition: 95% after one flight
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So, I just did an hour long flight. Engine condition afterward is 95%. I'm asking myself, is that good or bad? I'm not aware of anything I did that would have caused unusual wear. I leaned the motor, set the prop to 2750 during the climb, enriched on the way down. I didn't exceed max on MP or RPM. I'm wondering what things I can do to keep the engines as healthy as possible.
Gregg
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Beyond what you've already mentioned, the most likely source of engine degradation on any given flight are...
Oil Temperature
Cylinder Head Temperature
Exhaust Gas Temperature
Turbine Inlet Temperature
Excessive Cylinder Head Cooling (Shock Cooling)I suspect the last one is what will trip most people up, as I believe my aircraft were the first to simulate this in flight simulator. If you keep your cowl flaps open for the whole flight, then reduce power to zero as you descend through the high altitudes, your cylinders will cool very rapidly, which can cause cracking damage.
Monitor the Engine Trend Monitor for temperature exceedance alarms. Shock cooling will be denoted by "CLD" and a negative number. The alarm limit is -60°F/min, if I recall correctly. Hope that helps!
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Okay. I'll look out for all the temperatures. In terms of shock cooling there's an ongoing debate that's been broiling for years....
