december 2011 volume 11 • number 12 - American Bonanza Society

Boost pump pressureDavid WeissmanShorewood, WisconsinRecently I started the engine (IO-Q. 550R) using the normal routine,except I had the fuel mixture at idlecut-off. The engine started normallyafter prime, and then died within a fewseconds. I retried, and kept the auxiliarypump on, and the engine continuedto idle while the mixture was still in thecut-off position. The engine only diedwhen boost pump was turned off. Isthis normal/expected with the mixtureat cutoff?Although this is an unusual situation,it is entirely possible toA.force enough fuel through the fuel injectionmetering body with the boostpump to prevent the 2-1/2 psi valve inthe flow divider from closing, therebyallowing the engine to continue runningat low speed with the mixture incutoff. With that said, I suggest youThe 550 T.I. (tuned induction) engine installationuses a combination of the 550 cubic inch TCMIO-550-R engine which produces 310 horsepowerat 2700 RPM and the new Hartzell “Super Scimitar”propeller. The engine incorporates a top mountedtuned induction system and cross flow cylinderhead technology to achieve increased power andfuel efficiency while providing a 2000 hour-TBO.www.bonanza.orginspect the metering body mixturecontrol arm to assure that it is againstthe aft travel pin when the mixturecontrol is in cutoff. —BAWing aux tankswon’t feed equallyScott Gaddini, South Beloit, IllinoisOn our G35 we have an issueQ. with getting even ‘drain’ out ofthe two 10-gallon in-wing auxiliary fueltanks. It seems that one tank drainsfaster than the other during use, andwe never get to use the full amountin the tanks. We run on these tanksuntil fuel pressure drops then selectanother tank to ensure max use offuel. But when filling up the tanks I cannever put more than seven gallons inone tank and about nine in the other.When using the same procedure on themain tanks, they run dry but do fill withalmost the full amount. Where and howwould I start to troubleshoot this issue?550 T.I. ENGINEFOR THE BONANZACONVERSION FEATURES INCLUDE:• 310 Horsepower - 310 continuous horsepowerfor improved takeoff and climb performance.• Super Scimitar Propeller - Includes new 82"diameter Super Scimitar Propeller and polished spinner.• Top Mounted Tuned Induction System - Providesoptimum distribution of cool air to all cylinders.• Balanced Power - Smoother engine and cabindue to balanced power between all cylinders.• Carbon Fiber Cowling - All new aerodynamicallyoptimized carbon fiber 2-piece nose bowl andcowling doors.• Functional Economy Cruise - Operate normally onthe “lean side of peak” EGT for optimum fuel economy.Cruise fuel flow reduction of 1.5 to 2 gallons per hour.• Reduced Operating Cost - Significant operatingcost reduction due to increased fuel efficiency and2000 Hour TBO.(336) 668-0411 • (800) 334-2001 • Fax: (336) 668-4434 • info@atlantic-aero.comFAA Approved Repair Station EWGR752D • Designated Alteration Station DAS-511128-CE6423 Bryan Blvd.Greensboro, NC 27409John Ackerman - (800) 334-2001 ext 1405jackerman@atlantic-aero.comatlanticaero.comDisregarding a possible blockageor restriction of the fuelA.feed lines, the most probable causefor uneven fuel feeding from youraux tanks is poor fuel cap sealing. Apoorly fitting fuel cap slows flow(low pressure in the tank), whichmay also pull the tank snaps loose,preventing fuel from reaching thepickup. Reseal your fuel caps andcheck that the tank is still properlysecured in the wing. It is also necessaryfor the fuel vents to be clear,identically positioned, and providingequal pressure. Fuel from aux tanksalso will not feed evenly if the aircraftis not flying level. I suggest that yourremove your front seats, place a laterallevel on small identical blockson the front spar, and level the aircraft.Check that the skid ball is inthe center and, if not, find a way tocenter the ball in the inclinometer(probably by rotating the instrument).While in flight, check fuelconsumption with the ball centeredwith wings level. —BAReversing the“club” seatsBill Caton, Irving, TexasIs it feasible to turn the middleQ. row of seats around in my A36so they are facing forward?Follow along while looking atA. the Seat Change Schematic onpage 7-21 of your POH. Each middlerowseat mounts on three rails. Theouter rails are like railroad tracks,and accept the wheels or rollerson the bottom of the seats. Thecenter rail has vertical holes in itto accept the pin that holds theseat in a selected position fore andaft. Each rail has a fixed stop onthe forward (toward the engine) endof the rail. These prevent the seatfrom sliding too far forward and offthe rails.There is a moveable stop on thecenter rail. This keeps the seat from46 AMERICAN BONANZA SOCIETY DECEMBER 2011