Strange problem with Aerovee

[Mike53]

Having read this topic with interest I agree that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion but I have to agree with Robbie's original concern.A strong :evil: negative opinion is worthless and needless unless one can back it with some factual personal anecdote's .If a negative opinion is based on other peoples negative opinions then you really don't have an opinion but if it's based on personal experience then that experience should be included right after your negative opinion.Then and only then will I deem your or anyone else's opinion on this or any subject worthy of consideration.
Cheers ;)

[N111YX]

Perhaps Dale meant that HIS Aero-Carb was not airworthy (for whatever reason). If so, yes, it would be interesting to hear why. Such wording does tend to leave many folks hanging for the explanation.

My particular Aero Carb has been airworthy for 497 hours.

[vigilant104]

A strong negative opinion is worthless and needless unless one can back it with some factual personal anecdote's .

I'd just clarify and say that, while direct personal experience is great, none of us can live long enough to experience everything ourselves, so we depend on the experiences of others. Obviously, the more direct (firsthand? Friend-of-a-friend? Someone who heard it somewhere?), the more credence we will give to an observation. If an opinion is based on direct personal experience, the validly reported personal experiences of others, and if it fits with known observable conditions, then it will be more likely to be right. And hearing the opinions of others, and how they formed them, can help me form my own.
I'm happily flying behind an AeroCarb, I've had zero problems to date (about 50 hours). I also know that the builder of my plane had to work through some kinks with it, and benefited from open discussion from builders as he did so. That probably included their direct observations, observations others had made, and a slew of opinions.

[radfordc]

I will let Dale speak to the details, but he did report an incident once where he was forced to land his plane due to carb issues.

[GWMotley]

I would say that life flying behind an Aerocarb can be interesting, a curiosity, intellectually challenging, and at times a little nerve racking. But, at least it gives you something to fiddle with while flying. And all pilots seem to like to fiddle with things in their airplanes. Have you ever noticed the number of switches I have in my simple little Somex?

[fastj22]

I would say that life flying behind an Aerocarb can be interesting, a curiosity, intellectually challenging, and at times a little nerve racking. But, at least it gives you something to fiddle with while flying. And all pilots seem to like to fiddle with things in their airplanes. Have you ever noticed the number of switches I have in my simple little Somex?

There's nothing like a little carb ice to energize your adrenaline on final approach. Of course, with an Aerocarb, we need to look elsewhere for such stimulation.

[Fastcapy]

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[n982sx]

Dale,

I'm surprised that you did call the aerocarb not airworthy. I was aware of some concerns you had but I didn't think it had risen to that level. Having spoken to you at Crossville, I thought your switch to the corvair engine was more about performance and only a minor issue with the Aerovee/Aerocarb you had.

I had issues setting up my Aerocarb that I now attribute to a lack of knowledge and experience in using a throttle body carb. I have not taken any extreme measures in getting my Aerocarb to work extremely well. My setup issues were resolved fairly quickly and I'm now about to cross 275 hours on it.

My issues with the burps were trivial and they are related to heat and fuel delivery anyhow. My biggest discovery regarding the Aerocarb is a general belief that most people having trouble are trying to run too lean.

I lean on the ground and am only full rich for takeoff and landing. I did some minor insulation of my fuel lines and if I feel a burp I run about a quarter of a gallon an hour richer and never feel a burp again for the flight.

I can't think of a single reason the simplicity of the Aerocarb and its components would not be airworthy. I have more fear about any engine I would attach it too then the Aerocarb itself. That would also hold true for the fuel systems feeding it.

I find the product well engineered with no obvious failure points. Much simpler than any float style carb.

[radfordc]

I got a call back from Fred after he insulated his fuel lines. He ran the engine on the ground for 14 minutes and didn't get any "burps" or other signs of vapor lock. Eventually the oil temps got up to 220 and he shut the engine down. He's ready to give it a try in the air and see how it does.

[floridasonex]

"If I'd meant to censor you I would have done so. I am a moderator."

I think the sabre rattling and implied threats of censorship have no place on this
forum. I interpret Dale's comments to be that he has certain standards of reliability
for his own personal flying that he stays within. His comfort zone so to speak ..
his own personal airworthiness.

I've certainly had some challenges getting the AeroInjector to work right. I previously
had a Sonex with an AeroCarb and I had better luck with it .. but it was never
exactly where I wanted it. I didn't build that plane. With the one I have now I've
never had it the way I feel it should be. My plugs come out black from being
too rich .. and if I run it leaner the EGT's go into the mid 14's. I can't afford a
different carb right now .. so I just have to keep working with it.

RT
1579