N8080U
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2016
- Messages
- 74
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- 5
So, the answer is probably right in front of me but here goes.....I have over 30 years of flying, 5000 hours and plenty of time in Arrows and Lycomings in general. I flew 2 years in a Navajo - scheduled service - so hot starts were commonplace 5 - 10 times a day. I have flow probably 10 different Arrows, including the one I purchased last year. When I bought it, it had a brand new IO360-C1C6, (about 100 hours now). New Slick Mags, new plugs, basically, everything new firewall forward. This is by far the hardest D#$%m plane I have ever tried to start. At a minimum it takes 3 start cycles to get it going. Even at that, it spits, sputters and shakes for about 30 seconds before it starts running smooth. Tickle the fuel pump.....instant death. Lean the mixture just a little.....dies. Once it is running though, it runs great. Hot starts.....if you miss it, forget it, back to the pilot's lounge for a nap. I have tried every start procedure from the POH to combinations I have made up and nothing seems to work. Yet I can go to the flight schools Arrow, hit the fuel pump for 3 seconds, mixture ICO, throttle 1/2. 2 blades and it's running. As far as I know, the Impulse coupler is good. My mechanic thus far, has not been able to find anything wrong mechanically. i.e. Fuel pump, hoses, etc. So, I am more than open to any ideas if anyone has some. Thanks!
