Code90
Pre-takeoff checklist
Have on two separate occasions had same issue. Flying '77 Lance (Lycoming 540) and have had slow starts when engine hot.
Normally when we crank it, it will not freely spin the prop on first turn of key. Goes about 1/2 way around and stops. Release the key and turn it again, and it will windmill until it fires up.
Flew in 2 hours to customs in KFPR. Cleared customs. Ate meal at Tiki Hut. Came back out and used hot start procedure in POH. (Aux pump on, throttle 1/2", mixture off, crank until catches and then richen mixture). When I turned key, the prop went less than 1/2 way around and stopped. Released key, went about as far. Several tries and it would not spin. Seemed like it didn't have the power to spin around. Waited and retried after a minute or so, would try but never totoally spin around. Got less and less movement with each try. Finally after multiple tries, it spun around fully, motor coughed to life, richened mixture, and ran fine for next 3 hours back home.
This happened first in January. We assumed it was a battery issue (was 4-5 yrs old). Replaced battery. Happened again yesterday. Now I'm looking for suggestions. Today I checked the battery. Terminal wires are attached tightly and clean. Voltage was 12.5 sitting, 10.5 cranking. When running, the engine monitor reports 13.5 volts. Plane has been flown at least weekly. Just out of annual.
Thoughts?
Normally when we crank it, it will not freely spin the prop on first turn of key. Goes about 1/2 way around and stops. Release the key and turn it again, and it will windmill until it fires up.
Flew in 2 hours to customs in KFPR. Cleared customs. Ate meal at Tiki Hut. Came back out and used hot start procedure in POH. (Aux pump on, throttle 1/2", mixture off, crank until catches and then richen mixture). When I turned key, the prop went less than 1/2 way around and stopped. Released key, went about as far. Several tries and it would not spin. Seemed like it didn't have the power to spin around. Waited and retried after a minute or so, would try but never totoally spin around. Got less and less movement with each try. Finally after multiple tries, it spun around fully, motor coughed to life, richened mixture, and ran fine for next 3 hours back home.
This happened first in January. We assumed it was a battery issue (was 4-5 yrs old). Replaced battery. Happened again yesterday. Now I'm looking for suggestions. Today I checked the battery. Terminal wires are attached tightly and clean. Voltage was 12.5 sitting, 10.5 cranking. When running, the engine monitor reports 13.5 volts. Plane has been flown at least weekly. Just out of annual.
Thoughts?