ORIGINAL: Fflier9
Hi,
I took my trainer out to the field yesterday for the first time. It has an os la .46 on it. Anyway, I found an instructor and he checked it over. We started the engine and ran it for about 30 seconds before taking it up. It had 2 regular length flights at mostly full power. The engine had never been run before and my question is is this OK? Some bits of stuff about engine break-in before flying crossed my mind when we were doing preflight, but I didn't mention it because I assumed he knew what was best for the equipment. After fling I talked with some other members and they said the plane should never have flown without break in. Is it OK and is there anything I can do to help it at this point? Thanks.
Well, actually nowhere in your post do you say that the instructor set the engine rich. And nobody yet has mentioned how YOU or any beginner should learn to insure that their engine is running rich in the air. And it's something you need to learn.
It is probable that your instructor did check a couple of things. And you should too, before every first flight of the day.
Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds to warm up. Then go up to full throttle. This clears out the engine and insures it's warm. It also lets you look at the exhaust. You should see some "smoke". That's actually "the rich" showing up in the exhaust. If you don't see the smoke, adjust your needle. Lot's of descriptions how all over these forums. Basically you needle it to show smoke, then lean it until the rpms sag, then back the needle back out some. When an engine is new, you want to back the needle until you see some smoke. Now throttle to idle and let it run about 20 seconds, and then go to full throttle quickly. If the engine stumbles or dies, you got problems. And if this isn't done on a new engine every time it's taken to the field, you're missing the chance to solve deadstick landing problems on the ground instead of the next flight.
You ain't done yet..... That first flight, you've tested the needle settings and are pretty sure the engine is good to go. So go. And first order of business is to judge how the engine is actually operating while pulling the plane. If it seems too rich, not enough power and lots of smoke, then land the sucker and give the needle a couple of clicks lean. If it didn't seem too rich, but you don't see any smoke with full throttle, land the sucker and give the needle a couple of clicks rich.
You actually need to learn how to insure the engine is running rich, or the engine is running optimum. Close to the same symptom. In the air, a touch of smoke is when it's optimum. More smoke is rich. Too much is too rich.
It'll come to you. And your engine will run with power for you for a couple of years or more.