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fatalflaw

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  1. M20Kid - have you been in touch with Airflow Systems recently? We have 9 confirmed purchasers - could you find out if that's enough to get us over the bar? Thanks Jim
  2. Thanks guys! I think the consensus is: 1. Clean all contacts between autopilot and connected components to ground/earth 2. If that doesn't fix it, contact Straubing in Frankfurt. That's what I'll go for for now. Thanks again!
  3. Hi all The KFC 200 autopilot in my M20K has developed a very nasty habit. While in the cruise, once in a while it commands and maintains a very large and sudden up-trim. I now am on top of it but the first couple of times it happened I was in hard IMC, turbulence, and I wasn't quick enough to prevent the situation getting out of hand, 1000 ft off alt and the controller asking me if I needed assistance (not sure what he was going to offer to do except take my license away). Fortunately I was high and in a lonely place. Anyway, this happened twice on a flight across the Mediterranean today with my family on board and it needs to get fixed. Anyone had a similar experience? Disengaging the autopilot, controlling the attitude and altitude by hand and re-engaging seems to fix the problem, until the next time it happens. It seems to happen more when there is a lot of turbulence, but it has happened in clear still air as well. It has happens straight and level and also in descent, not during climb so far fortunately. The 'alt' light remains lit and the ap remains engaged till I disengage it. Trying to correct the tendency by hand with ap engaged requires huge forces, and isn't a solution. Ideally I would like to understand and fix the problem rather than rip out the entire system and replace it, so suggestions along those lines would be the most welcome. Best wishes to all Jim
  4. My EGT, TIT and oil temp are much higher than I would like, in the cruise and in the climb. I run LOP but I would like to run closer to peak. I have to cruise with the cowl flaps half open about 75% of the time, as my oil temp creeps up to the edge of the red zone otherwise. I thought that was common to all non-intercooled 231s, and admittedly it doesn't help flying in the summer in southern france, spain and north africa. But the intercooler has other benefits more than just lowering temps, it's also about fuel consumption and engine longevity. I like your Mooney's paintjob by the way
  5. Hi Jim. Airflow systems have revamped their web site and the 231 intercooler product isn't there any more. However, it is here: link. Anecdotal evidence is though that it's more efficient than other products, and it's MUCH easier to install. Have a look at the links and google the product. If you like it and want to go for it, please call Bill at Airflow Systems on +1 949 218 9701 to get your name added, and let us know here. If you come on board that should be 8 of the 10 people we need.
  6. The number is +1 949 281 9701. Bizarrely I can't see their address anywhere but from Romania if you call at 6 or 7pm you will be fine. (I am in France) Email addresses: airflow2@cox.net - but I am not 100% sure about this. I also have had success in the distant past with sales@airflow-systems.com but I haven't had responses from either email for a while. You could also try airflowsystems2@gmail.com which is in their price list. I would try and get him on the phone though. One thing: if you are on a D- registration, make sure this product has european approval, or if the German authority will accept the US STC, otherwise you may find you have to take it off again to stay legal.
  7. Manu, the intercooler increases the efficiency of the engine as the inlet air is cooler, and the overall increase in temperature of the air/fuel charge at ignition is increased. This results in your engine developing the same power at lower manifold pressures, and reduced fuel consumption. The lower temperature may also result in longevity improvements. The turboplus website has these bullet points: Fuel Savings up to 15%. Pays for itself in fuel savings Increase Cruise (same fuel flow) Up to 10 Kts Same H.P. with reduced M.P. Engine Critical Altitude Increased. More Take-Off Power on Hot Days. Reduce Engine Operating Temperatures. Extended Range and Extend Engine Life. The airflow systems intercooler is allegedly more efficient, and it's a lot easier and cheaper to install.
  8. Just spoke to Bill at Airflow Systems - he now has 5 of us on his list, so we're halfway. He also mentioned that someone else is interested in taking over the STC, so that may work in our favor.
  9. You can put me down for one as well. Regarding TurboPlus - I haven't been in touch with them, but their website seems fine: http://www.turboplus.com/products.htm. I actually found this thread trying to get a comparison between TurboPlus and Airflow Systems, but like you from the information available it seems that the A/S is the one to go for. I'll get in touch with Airflow Systems to get me to add them to their list. Jim Page N2BL - LFMZ
  10. jlunseth: that was a really interesting post, thanks. I have a 231 (-GB) with GAMI but without intercooler or Merlyn (yet), and I am having trouble finding a sweet spot for LOP despite considerable effort from GAMI. My current issue is not being able to find a LOP setting which gives both a safe EGT/CHT and doesn't run rough. Typically I am looking at 31" and somewhere between 10 and 15 thousand feet. 13-13 1/2 gph is tantalisingly close. I don't have any issue with MP settings but that may be because I don't have an intercooler. What I do have is a massive difference between the mechanical EGT gauge and the EDM800 - about 100 degrees hotter on the EDM. Gave me a nasty shock when I first noticed it. My GAMI spread is about 0.7 gph which should be reasonable. Fuel pump adjustment, induction leak and iffy magnetos are possible issues I am currently working through with my A/P. Another possibly related factor is that every time I have installed new injectors it becomes more of a pig to start - requires an amazing amount of priming initially (which I dislike as I can picture all that fuel washing the oil off the cylinder walls) and finger on the primer on and off for a good 30 seconds after starting, hot or cold. Runs very nicely when it's warm though. My compressions are high 60's/low 70's, 1100 hours on the engine, 800 since a top overhaul (25 years ago). I am going to carry on working on this and I will update this thread if/when I make progress. Incidentally - airflow systems have stopped making the 231 intercooler, or at least until they have orders for 10 (currently there are 3 people interested apparently). Anyone know if there's one sitting on a shelf somewhere? Also - your oil consumption seems curiously variable - and worryingly high when bad. I haven't seen anything like that on mine, though I agree > 6.5 qts serves only to lubricate the surface of the planet. I would be tempted to sort out the cylinder with the low compression.
  11. Guys there'a a nice KEA-346 on ebay at a good price. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150565815049
  12. Thanks for the advice guys. I will go ahead with the installation and let you know how it goes.
  13. Thanks, guys. I am in the highly fortunate position of having the parts already. I just want to check that the 297A will actually work. The Icarus roll steering unit is really interesting though - something to seriously think about. I have a GNS430 WAAS, and the ability to execute procedure terms and holds without knob-twiddling (if you'll pardon the expression) sounds a real workload-reducer.
  14. Hi there Can anyone confirm whether the KAS-297A altitude preselector is compatible with the KFC-200 autopilot in my aircraft? I know the KAS-297 was fitted originally in the factory. This is for a retrofit. I'm aware I need a KEA-346 servo altimeter as well. I have heard mixed views on the KAS-297A/KFC-200 combination. I don't know how to get a definitive answer. This from the KEA-346 product info sheet: Compatible with KAS-297A Preselector/Alerter option for KFC-200 Compatible with KAS-297B Preselector/Alerter option for KAP-150/KFC-150 (per Installation Bulletin No. 262) And yet ... it would be lovely to be certain before I start on a major wiring job. TIA, Jim
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