A New Way of Flight Training… - American Bonanza Society

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ABS Idea and Information Exchange
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I fly a 1978 A36 Bonanza. I recently
did a full top overhaul with new cylinders,
and put in the D’Shannon air
baffle system. I run GAMIjectors, too,
and the result was CHT temps that
now sit between 275 degrees and 310
degrees. Runs smooth and cool. The
baffle system is fantastic.
On a recent flight the plane ran
rough shortly after climb out, and the
#2 cylinder CHT went to 500 degrees.
The only thing I could do after safely
landing was check and clean the spark
plugs and look for visual issues, but I
found none. I was ready for an annual
anyway so off it went to the shop.
The mechanics swapped the CHT
probe – no cure. Checked, cleaned,
and swapped a GAMI injector – no
cure. Pulled the jug, valves were okay,
and this cylinder had lifters replaced
at the overhaul so they were even
checked – and still no cure. Nothing
visible discovered either.
The mechanic called GAMI as part
of the troubleshooting process, and
a guru named John Paul said, “Spark
plugs.” It didn’t seem like that could
be the problem, because the temp was
okay at lower power settings but high
at higher settings. How could a spark
plug with no visible signs of wear, etc.
be a contributor
He was right. New plugs were put
in that cylinder and the problem was
cured. The explanation was that a
bad plug, not properly conducting
electricity and dissipating heat can
perform similar to a glow plug. I use
a Bonanza shop with decades of experience,
and they had not come across
that situation specifically.
Just something to think about. I’m
sure I have a sizable troubleshooting
bill to pay today when I go get the
plane. Hopefully others can suggest
testing new spark plugs early in the
process if you ever run into a sudden
spiking CHT isolated to a cylinder,
when nothing else is obviously the
cause.
—Byron Farquer
My November magazine arrived
with the Landing Gear Inspection &
Repair Guide. I had previously bought
one, but I don’t feel I wasted my money
at all. My A&P will get one. He’s savvy
with respect to Beech landing gear,
but the guide will make it much easier
for him to explain stuff to other clients
who own Beechcraft (although any
Beech owner who gives a hoot about
the care and feeding of his airplane
will already be a member and have a
guide of his own). —Larry Gaines
Helping You
Keep Your Cool
“Make The Wise Choice”
All Marine-Components, No wood!
4-inch diameter Marine Blower,
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Hand built in Arizona,
where it’s hot.
$499. 00
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Crosswindcoolers.com 480-272-5082 Lance@Crosswindcoolers.com
Each month I look forward to receiving
ABS Magazine and admiring the
beautiful Beechcraft of the Month. I
have noticed a somewhat disturbing
trend, however, with regards to equipment
choices on these fine aircraft.
It seems the owners spare no expense
getting the finest interiors, most beautiful
paint, and best avionics available.
Too many, however, fail to install
the single most important piece of
equipment for IFR flight: a standby
attitude indicator.
Please, take a lesson from the airlines,
the turbine world, and the military.
Install at least one additional
52 AMERICAN BONANZA SOCIETY JANUARY 2012