Engine issue after hot start

[885EW]

Hi Folks,

IO550 310hp STC M20S owner here. Still figuring out my best hot start method after airplane was sitting for about an hour after landing; didn't look too graceful on the ramp and took a few attempts, but finally got it to start.

When I went to lean the mixture after it started, the engine decided to quit. Re attempted another hot/flooded start sequence and everything was running fine. Did my run up and all checked out well; but when I went to idle (mixture full rich during run up); the engine wanted to quit. Quickly advanced throttle to around 1,000 RPM and engine ran smooth. No engine issues for the rest of the flight.

Was this a case of vapor lock from the hot start? Have never seen this before on this engine. Any thoughts?

[Brandt]

Don’t know what it is, but seems that vapor lock would be unlikely after a full power runup.

[Ragsf15e]

1 hour ago, 885EW said:

Hi Folks,

IO550 310hp STC M20S owner here. Still figuring out my best hot start method after airplane was sitting for about an hour after landing; didn't look too graceful on the ramp and took a few attempts, but finally got it to start.

When I went to lean the mixture after it started, the engine decided to quit. Re attempted another hot/flooded start sequence and everything was running fine. Did my run up and all checked out well; but when I went to idle (mixture full rich during run up); the engine wanted to quit. Quickly advanced throttle to around 1,000 RPM and engine ran smooth. No engine issues for the rest of the flight.

Was this a case of vapor lock from the hot start? Have never seen this before on this engine. Any thoughts?

No need to go full rich for runup.  Additionally, full rich idle and less than 1000rpm (you said you increased to 1000 and it was better) might make it stumble under some conditions.

[Pinecone]

Also, has the fuel system been set up properly?  That is, according to the Continental manual by someone who knows what they are doing?

[Slick Nick]

Sounds like your idle mixture setting is way off. I think you can adjust it be reaching inside one of the cowl flaps and turning the knob. 

[885EW]

Thanks all for the feedback, everyone. Going to have my engine shop take a look at it during upcoming oil change. Appreciate the input.

[TheBearFlies]

Throttle full in, mixture idle cut off, low boot pump on 30 seconds then off to purge vapor.

Faster start but you must have very fast hands or a helper, start cranking when engine catches mixture Rich, throttle idle.

Longer cranking start, throttle to fast idle, start cranking when engine catches mixture Rich.

Potentially be ready with the low boot pump. I personally have never had to turn it on.

 

After start, adjust idle, adjust mixture. Mixture always set for density altitude not just full rich!