Terry
-
Posts
5 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Downloads
Blogs
Events
Store
Aircraft
Resources
Tutorials
Articles
Classifieds
Movies
Books
Community Map
Quizzes
Posts posted by Terry
-
-
Thanks Nev
Have considered this - on the day in question, I had a friend suggest it. Looking into it.
regards
Terry
-
Hi there
Thanks to all for your replies. Firstly, to Gnarly Gnu, yes I have considered replacing the carb with fuel injection and I had an engineer point out to me the "bits" on the VW heads where these can be fitted. For most of the year however, carb ice isn't an issue (although it might be a tad chilly here from time to time, generally, Canterbury enjoys relatively low humidity). I do use carb heat over summer, but most of the time I apply it to confirm that it still works! Well, that's a slight exaggeration, because I always use carb heat in any sort of descent/power reduction, and of course on base and finals. At anytime of year.
And to Nev, on the day in question, there was around 2/10ths - cumulus as I recall. And it was a lot higher than the altitude I was flying at.
And to Ian R. Well, I proved that the carb heater works. Very well indeed as it happens. I would have ended up doing a forced landing if it hadn't have been working. I guess its just nice to know that it doesn't need to be mandatory and to be on permanently to go out there and safely commit aviation. There is the reduction in power when the carb heat is used, plus again, the increased fuel burn. I believe its better for the control to be used as needed.
Really appreciating the conversations. And hope its a damn sight warmer on your side of the Tasman than it is here right now. Still, the forecast for the morning here is fine and frosty, and the Corby just loves that thicker air. Take-off runs are shorter, the engine seems to produce more power, and although she's a draughty wee thing, and you need to be well bundled up, visibility will be unlimited, and all will be well with the world. Can't wait.
Safe flying to you all
Terry
- 2
-
Thanks to all. Really appreciate your replies. I have flown in what I though were similar conditions, and the aeroplane has never missed a beat, but perhaps the humidity was higher yesterday. I know VW's have the reputation of being more prone to carb ice, and perhaps yesterday I found out the limits. Great to know however that my carb heater works(!) very well indeed.
Its quite nippy here at the moment (I live in North Canterbury) and we have had sleet during the day. Snow is quite low on the surrounding hills, so the Corby might just have to stay all tucked up in its hanger until things improve.
Once again, thanks for your advice and taking the time to reply.
regards
Terry
-
Hi there
- Just joined. I have owned a Corby Starlet for around 7 years now, and have around 550 hours in this aeroplane. Came into power flying by way of gliding, and before that G.A.
Interested in hearing from other A/C owners with VW installations who have experienced carb ice. I had an issue yesterday and although the carb heater did the trick, without that carb heat, I would have found myself flying a not very efficient glider quite quickly. It was all quite dismaying.
Its quite "parky" here in the South Island at the moment - around 5 c, and relative humidity around 65%., and although I've flown the aeroplane frequently over the winters I have owned her, I have never experienced anything quite like yesterday. It all ended well, but I'd prefer it didnt happen again.
The carb is a Stromberg, mounted above the engine, and the heads on the this engine are dual ports.
best wishes
T
VW carby
in Engines and Props
Posted