Change in hot start sequence; Is my plane telling me something?

[blueflyer]

I have a parallel valve Lycoming 0-360 (carburetor for double clarity) on my plane. For 1,000 hours, whenever I have stopped somewhere to get fuel after flying for a while, my hot starting procedure was as follows: Full rich, throttle cracked, hit starter button and off we go. Now, in the past several fuel stops, the previous hot starting procedure does not work. Now, I have to do this: mixture off, throttle open, hit starter button. Once it fires, I go full rich and retard the throttle. Why the change? Is there a problem? Nothing else has changed, no work has been done. All engine numbers are still the same.

 

[Walt]

Sounds like it’s flooding, last time it was O/H’d? Floats or sticking needle valve.
Recommended OH is every 12 yrs.. Multiple SB’s on floats.

 

[lr172]

Sounds like it’s flooding, last time it was O/H’d? Floats or sticking needle valve.
Recommended OH is every 12 yrs.. Multiple SB’s on floats.

+1

Walt and i think alike I guess. Mind went straight to a failed float or debris in needle / seat, preventing it from closing.

 

[blueflyer]

ok, thank you both for the insight. It has been 16 years since installation of the new carb, so sounds like its time for an overhaul. Thanks again.

 

[lr172]

ok, thank you both for the insight. It has been 16 years since installation of the new carb, so sounds like its time for an overhaul. Thanks again.

We are speculating based upon limited data and not seeing or hearing these synptoms or an otherwise thourough analysis of your system. Experience tells us this is likely given the symptoms, but may want to do some troubleshooting first. Sunk floats and seat problems should also give you excessively rich mixtures when the red knob is in, like take off. If that is not happening, this could be something else. Worth a bit more work before an OH IMO.

 

[bjdecker]

Sounds like it’s flooding, last time it was O/H’d? Floats or sticking needle valve.
Recommended OH is every 12 yrs.. Multiple SB’s on floats.

+1

And kudos for listening to your airplane...it is trying to tell you something.

 

[azrv6]

Please come back and report your conclusions when you have it resolved, thanks!