So today I was out with the 1986 Skybolt, with the baffled fuel tank, and everything up to now has been fine but haven't done a lot of negative-g aerobatics.
Started with 25 gals of fuel, landed with 12-13 gallons. Last thing I did today was inverted flight for 10 seconds. After rolling out and doing a 1.5 turn left spin, about 30 seconds later, engine quit for about 2 minutes before I could get it restarted. Prop stopped but a hit on the starter got it windmilling again. Thankfully I had lots of altitude.
My first thought is the flop tube: How long is the flop tube in the Steen Tank? I don't think it's ever been replaced (the logs don't show it) so it's probably more than due. Aircraft spruce has flop tubes but I don't know the length.
I also thought I'd check how the inverted vent is set up - we have the marquart gear so it's not run down along the gear, but I know it drains on the right side of the cowling (drooled on my feet a few times).
But most importantly, now that the heart rate is back to normal: Any other things you guys can suggest to check?
Thanks!
Started with 25 gals of fuel, landed with 12-13 gallons. Last thing I did today was inverted flight for 10 seconds. After rolling out and doing a 1.5 turn left spin, about 30 seconds later, engine quit for about 2 minutes before I could get it restarted. Prop stopped but a hit on the starter got it windmilling again. Thankfully I had lots of altitude.
My first thought is the flop tube: How long is the flop tube in the Steen Tank? I don't think it's ever been replaced (the logs don't show it) so it's probably more than due. Aircraft spruce has flop tubes but I don't know the length.
I also thought I'd check how the inverted vent is set up - we have the marquart gear so it's not run down along the gear, but I know it drains on the right side of the cowling (drooled on my feet a few times).
But most importantly, now that the heart rate is back to normal: Any other things you guys can suggest to check?
Thanks!
