Gene.. my instructor pretty well drilled in the pinch test when I was learning. He pointed out that it was always better to make it a tad bit rich. So, I got the "ear" and seem to have had pretty good success that way. I would do the test then end up with a tad bit of rich, perhaps a click or two.

When I started out, I had quite a few dead-sticks about half way throught the flight. When I landed it, he worked with me to show me the differences between where I had set it and where it should be. and that all was "the ear"... the tone of the engine note during the pinch test.

Since I got it down, I've not had dead-sticks due to mixture settings. It works for me, but may not work for others.

I guess information given in these forums allows folks to work it out and see what works best for him/her.

CGr.