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keithmckinley
Joined: 11 Aug 2008
Posts: 434
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 Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject: Question about cylinder head monitoring |
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MGL avionics makes a temp gauge that will accept and display 12 inputs. The gauge is around 200 dollars and the probes are 40 dollars each.
Would the expense of monitoring all 9 cylinder temps be worth the cost of this?
My though is it would go a long way in the event trouble shooting or engine diagnostics is needed not to mention another good way to monitor one component of engine health.
As always the input from this board is much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Keith McKinley
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vectorwarbirds(at)aol.com
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| Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:06 pm Post subject: Question about cylinder head monitoring |
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Westach makes a nine cylinder system as well, with rotary switch to pick cylinders. I have it in my Nanchang, it was about $150 as their probes are about ten bucks. And yes it is worth it, I leave it on the master cylinder as it usually runs the hottest then look around at the others to see what they are doing. I lost a cylinder on takeoff once, then found the offending one in the pattern returning to land so it was easy to find and figure out.
'Bunndini'
Vector Warbirds USA
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barryhancock
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Posts: 285
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| Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 7:32 am Post subject: Re: Question about cylinder head monitoring |
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Gang,
Having installed engine monitors on several aircraft and flown behind them, I have been able to formulate an opinion...which goes something like this.
1) As always, you get what you pay for. If you don't mind replacing stuff and getting flaky readings go with the cheap stuff (Westach, etc.). If you want a quality product, there is no way around paying for it. Electronics International has the best value out there, in my opinion. Their stuff is robust, accurate, and they offer consistently great customer support.
2) Temperatures. This is like arguing about engine oil. There are lots of opinions and everyone thinks there's is the only right one. John Deakin writes a very thoughtful 4 part article on the subject. A few things that are pretty universally agreed upon. Running EGT more than 50F ROP (some say 75-100 is better) at any power setting is safe. Running EGT 50F-100F LOP below 65% power (i.e. most cruise settings at altitude) is safe. Here is a link to part one of Deakin's column on engine operation
http://www.warmkessel.com/jr/flying/td/jd/63.jsp
3) You get what you pay for. Oh, wait, I already said that.  But if you want worthwhile data that is more useful than a headache (i.e. you can trust it because it gives you consistently good readings), step up to something of good quality. If you don't want to do that, perhaps it would be better to take the $$$ and spend it on getting your engine properly tuned (i.e. high enough fuel flow for take off settings, proper carb adjustment - Bundinni describes a good old school method that works - etc.). Flaky readings are frustrating and in my experience are usually a result of low grade components...you're flying $70K plus airplanes with $20K (and rising) worth of engine....a cheap set up doesn't make sense to me.
Barry
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Barry Hancock
Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.
www.worldwidewarbirds.com |
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keithmckinley
Joined: 11 Aug 2008
Posts: 434
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| Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 8:39 am Post subject: Re: Question about cylinder head monitoring |
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Thanks Barry,
I agree with you about the value of good instrumentation and also that EI makes a solid product. I feel the same way with the instruments (and customer support) I have gotten from MGL. The one thing I initially didn't like about EI, and this is a personal preference, is the multitude of led light on all their gauges. I'm sure if you have several of these instruments and get used to the lights in your scan it is probably an easier way to get a quick "how goes it" vs focusing on a small digital display like (MGL).
Back to the post: my two post, leaning and CHT go hand in hand and after more digging I've realized that to truly monitor engine health I need CHT and EGT on EACH cylinder and probably fuel flow as well.
The one instrument that looks superb is the EDM 700 w/ FF. But WOW, not in my budget!
Anyway, that article you linked to was a good read. This document I found was similar and provided some good info as well:
http://www.insightavionics.com/pdf%20files/GEM%20GUIDE.pdf
Can you contact me off line?
Keith
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barryhancock
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Posts: 285
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| Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:01 am Post subject: Re: Question about cylinder head monitoring |
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I agree that the EI gauge isn't the easiest on the eye (either are most of the JPI gauges). I would suggest the EI MVP-50 over the JPI...but you are right...both $$$$. My main point here is the probes...use whatever display you'd like, but the probes are what make all the difference!
Keith, call me at the office early next week. I'm still putting out fires from a family emergency and playing catch up today...
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Barry Hancock
Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.
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