Troubleshooting suggestion- help wanted

[RNB]

I think that some airplane troubleshooting posts could be presented better, mostly in the area of engine discussions, perhaps there are other things. I propose the development of a standard troubleshooting post format as a guide for the pilot/owner in how to present pertinent information. Doing so will help them organize their thoughts and allow discussion participants to hopefully have better pertinent data. Adherence to this will hopefully allow the person with the problem to get better assistance.

I'd like help and discussion as to the following:
1-are there things other than engine problems that would benefit from this?
2-What items should go on an engine discussion post?

As an example of what I am writing about, for years I have participated in a financial forum where posters get to ask portfolio questions. The moderators have developed a standard format for such questions to be asked: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Asking_portfolio_questions

The user takes the standard format, copies things into their post, and fills out the info. Perhaps such a format can be developed here and put into a sticky thread?

Ideas, additions, subtractions?

Airplane
Engine type and time
Engine builder ought be incorporated as it seems some shops are known to use different types of cylinders
Oil type and change intervals
I think some additional data can be attached if known: oil analysis and engine graphical outputs
Type and frequency of flying: recent hours, high/low altitude, ROP/LOP/WOT. Long taxi vs short taxi airport?
Any recent work completed (in event of maintenance induced problems)
Electrical system- type of magneto. Date of last overhaul and timing checks. Perhaps more.
Ground run up data such as mag drop, perhaps more?
Spark plug type, age, last service. Description of how they look if known, perhaps photos

I am sure much more needed

 

[D-Dubya]

I applaud your initiative, but I think getting people to follow a standard format will be like herding cats.

 

[Auburntsts]

If we could get folks to use the search function a lot of questions could be eliminated right off the bat.

 

[RNB]

If we could get folks to use the search function a lot of questions could be eliminated right off the bat.

Especially if an organized format were used.

I have found search function to be limited, often needing some special unknown key phrase.

 

[Auburntsts]

Especially if an organized format were used.

I have found search function to be limited, often needing some special unknown key phrase.

AI can help with the lack of standardization. The problem as I see it in your proposal is 2-fold. First there's over 20 years of info already on the forum that's not captured by your template. Second any template would only be useful if used, but as DW stated, compliance will always be hit or miss due to ignorance of its exitance or ambivalence towards using it.

 

[RNB]

AI can help with the lack of standardization. The problem as I see it in your proposal is 2-fold. First there's over 20 years of info already on the forum that's not captured by your template. Second any template would only be useful if used, but as DW stated, compliance will always be hit or miss due to ignorance of its exitance or ambivalence towards using it.

What info should be on the template?

 

[D-Dubya]

I'd add fuel injection or carburetor, fixed pitch or constant speed prop.

 

[N427EF]

If we could get folks to use the search function a lot of questions could be eliminated right off the bat.

You are correct but it would also limit forum traffic and that is probably not what Doug is hoping for.
Most answers can be found somewhere on the "interweb" if you search long enough, especially now with AI worming its way into everything.
As I see it, the forum is a place to communicate and network with folks who share the same enthusiasm for RVs or aviation in general.
After a couple of decades looking at this forum, I see the same questions come up every so often and discussions follow but it is fair to assume that new participants
read and contribute. Also, those who know the answers or have seen them in older threads can link to it if they don't want to repeat themselves or just shake their heads and move on.
Relegating everyone to search functions and standard forms for the sake of efficiency seems to take away from the forum experience which to me at least, is both a
technical resource as well as a site to socialize.

 

[rv8ch]

I think a standard format would be nice, but it just won't happen without a lot of enforcement, which will take away from the conversational nature of the forum. I copied others in putting as much info in my signature - and from time to time I add stuff. Perhaps when the account is created, it could provide a signature template or prompt the user to add details there.

 

[RV7A Flyer]

Until you get new users to stop with their first post being "my X quit working. Why?" types of posts, this is a quixotic effort.

 

[RNB]

I am bumping this post as there seem to be a rash of new engine posters, in general I think they would get better help with a more organized approach or delivery of information to the forum.

I think an item to be added is that of they agree to come back and tell VAF what the issue ended up being.

 

[D-Dubya]

I think an item to be added is that of they agree to come back and tell VAF what the issue ended up being.

Yes. Absolutely yes. Getting people to do that is easier said than done, but it would be sooooo helpful to close the loop on these issues.

 

[RNB]

Yes. Absolutely yes. Getting people to do that is easier said than done, but it would be sooooo helpful to close the loop on these issues.

I’m not even thinking as far as closing the loop

I’m thinking it is contributing to my body of knowledge, my understanding of problems, my algorithms of troubleshooting

 

[Mikeyb]

VAF is a great way to get ideas, insight and inspiration. It’s a terrible way to get answers. If you notice the real VAF experts rarely get involved in the troubleshooting posts unless it’s safety related. The troubleshooting posts are not very satisfying as a reader either. Maybe one out of five questions get a confirmation that any of the solutions offered worked.

 

[RNB]

VAF is a great way to get ideas, insight and inspiration. It’s a terrible way to get answers. If you notice the real VAF experts rarely get involved in the troubleshooting posts unless it’s safety related. The troubleshooting posts are not very satisfying as a reader either. Maybe one out of five questions get a confirmation that any of the solutions offered worked.

If people rarely get involved, then all the more reason to organize things and to. close out answers, or at least have that be the stated standard.

 

[RV7A Flyer]

VAF is a great way to get ideas, insight and inspiration. It’s a terrible way to get answers. If you notice the real VAF experts rarely get involved in the troubleshooting posts unless it’s safety related. The troubleshooting posts are not very satisfying as a reader either. Maybe one out of five questions get a confirmation that any of the solutions offered worked.

Then there's my favorite, and you see it everywhere on the internet (car forums, computer-related forums, etc.).

OP: I have X, Y and Z components and am trying to solve problem W.
Answer: I don't have any of those, but I have A, B and C components which are totally unlike any of yours, and problem D which only vaguely resembles what you're trying to do, and I fixed it with E...

 

[lr172]

Yes. Absolutely yes. Getting people to do that is easier said than done, but it would be sooooo helpful to close the loop on these issues.

Kind of like putting a sign on the highway saying "left lane is for passing only - slower traffic keep right." Yea, like that works

 

[D-Dubya]

Kind of like putting a sign on the highway saying "left lane is for passing only - slower traffic keep right." Yea, like that works

Heyyyyyyyy...I've seen cars actually do that! Two, maybe three times in my life.

 

[jbDC9]

I applaud your initiative, but I think getting people to follow a standard format will be like herding cats.

Meow?

 

[Gino230]

I've found the best way to get answers is to type your question into google and include the term VANSAIRFORCE. For example, vansairforce leaning for climb. Works alot better than the search bar on the website.

You'll get alot of non pertinent answers, but reading through the threads even if it doesn't apply exactly to your situation is how you learn. And maybe find resources to reference to help figure out your specific problem.