Matt,

I had an interesting situation with my P-120 on Saturday. It started it OK the first time of the day. I had an aborted takeoff due to a nose wheel steering problem, and the engine was shutdown normally and went through its cooling cycle. On the next start attempt, as soon as I powered on the ECU and receiver, the engine when into the cooling cycle. This presisted even after turning off the receiver and disconnecting the battery several times.

Finally, I hooked up the GSU and turned the ECU back on. It started cooling again and to my surprise, the temp read over 200 degrees C. Mind you, this was after the turbine had been stopped for over 30 minutes. I then started checking over the connections and I discovered that I could manipulate the temp readings by moving the "phone cord" that plugged into the turbine. I disconnected and re-connected the phone plug several times and well as cycling the power, and eventually, the temp came up at somewhere around 45 degrees C. I was then able to start the turbine and it ran OK. I flew it twice that day, and twice Sunday with no problems.

My questions are:

- I assume that the "phone cable" carries the temp. sensor readings into the ECU, right?

- Is the temp. sensor, a resistive type? If so, then perhaps the increased resistance of a bad connection was interpreted as a higher temperature?

- Have you heard of this problem before?

- What, if anything should I do about it now that the turbine is running fine again?

- What should I do if it happens again?

Thanks!
Bob

Yes, this could be a bad cable, or a bad EGT sensor.

I would try a new cable, and keep an eye on things. If everything works normally you are OK.

If it still happens with a new cable, then we need to change the EGT sensor here at the shop.

Good luck,

Matt