Questions from a New Piper Owner
Hi all - I purchased a 1973 Piper Challenger in late January and have a few questions. Pardon if they're basic questions, this is my first airplane!
The aircraft came with cowling inlet plugs to keep dirt and critters out. When I'm putting my bird in the hanger after flying, I've been putting the plus in before closingt the doors. Now that warm weather is here, I'm concerned that I'm blocking in heat and perhaps should leave them out at least until the engine has cooled a bit. On a related note, should I unlatch the cowling and, if not take it off completely (tough single-handed), at least prop the back open a bit or open the oil filler hatch to let heat escape?
One other question - in the past week I've had a couple instances of a minor backfire when I tested the throttle at idle during my run-up. In both instances, I tried leaning the mixture slightly and it eliminated it, but that may have been a cooincidence. The only external difference is that the outside air temp has been in the mid 70's, 10-20 degrees higher than in February and March.
Thanks very much - any advice will be sincerely appreciated,
Jeff King
N55407 / KLHZ
The aircraft came with cowling inlet plugs to keep dirt and critters out. When I'm putting my bird in the hanger after flying, I've been putting the plus in before closingt the doors. Now that warm weather is here, I'm concerned that I'm blocking in heat and perhaps should leave them out at least until the engine has cooled a bit. On a related note, should I unlatch the cowling and, if not take it off completely (tough single-handed), at least prop the back open a bit or open the oil filler hatch to let heat escape?
One other question - in the past week I've had a couple instances of a minor backfire when I tested the throttle at idle during my run-up. In both instances, I tried leaning the mixture slightly and it eliminated it, but that may have been a cooincidence. The only external difference is that the outside air temp has been in the mid 70's, 10-20 degrees higher than in February and March.
Thanks very much - any advice will be sincerely appreciated,
Jeff King
N55407 / KLHZ
Comments
Is your hangar so poorly enclosed that birds can get inside when the door is shut. If not, don't bother using the plugs. They are for keeping birds out. They won't help control mice.
There's absolutely no need to open the cowl after flight, for cooling purposes. During the winter, if you're in a cold climate, you'll not only want to use an engine blanket when parking for short times, but you'll also want to slide some sleeves over that great big heat sink of a prop.
Any throttle movements should be slow and smooth. A rapid movement could result in misfire, or hesitation.
Enjoy your "new" plane!
VFRs, without TFRs,
Dennis/ARR
I've never had a backfire, though, nor has the "hiccup" ever been more than momentary.
Jeff
Congrats on the Challenger, that is a great airplane and I almost purchased one when I got the Arrow. They are somewhat rare and hold value well.
Enjoy