The last two takeoffs from icefields, I've experienced loss of power and rough running engine about 5 seconds after applying full power.
The first time (at 5,000', 40 degrees F), I thought I was too lean, so I stopped, pushed full rich, full power and took off without issues.
The second time (at 6,000', 32 degrees F), I leaned for altitude prior to landing, then dragged the snow a couple of times and no issues (even when applying full power on takeoff).
After shutting down and coming back after a couple of hours of human powered skiing, I start up and takeoff, engine starts running pretty rough, loss of rpm, I apply carb heat (no change), I push in full rich (no change).
I stop and do a run up (no change in rpm on right or left magneto), and try to clear up the possibly fouled plugs. The second takeoff attempt was normal.
Do you guys think it was carb ice, or fouled plugs, or perhaps something else? Note that the takeoff from the sea level airport was normal.
This has never happened to me before even in similar situations, and I haven't changed my operating procedure. I'm taking it as a sign to change to wheels.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
BTW. It's a Lycoming O-360
The first time (at 5,000', 40 degrees F), I thought I was too lean, so I stopped, pushed full rich, full power and took off without issues.
The second time (at 6,000', 32 degrees F), I leaned for altitude prior to landing, then dragged the snow a couple of times and no issues (even when applying full power on takeoff).
After shutting down and coming back after a couple of hours of human powered skiing, I start up and takeoff, engine starts running pretty rough, loss of rpm, I apply carb heat (no change), I push in full rich (no change).
I stop and do a run up (no change in rpm on right or left magneto), and try to clear up the possibly fouled plugs. The second takeoff attempt was normal.
Do you guys think it was carb ice, or fouled plugs, or perhaps something else? Note that the takeoff from the sea level airport was normal.
This has never happened to me before even in similar situations, and I haven't changed my operating procedure. I'm taking it as a sign to change to wheels.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
BTW. It's a Lycoming O-360
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