I recently experienced a reduction in power during takeoff and climb in my Warrior. On start I noticed the engine started right up without the need for priming, but idled a bit rough. The roughness disappeared during runup. During takeoff it took 3/4 of the runway to liftoff at Vx 63kias. The climb was a struggle - a Vx climb gave only 250-300 fpm. At pattern altitude full power gave only ~2300 rpm and 95-100 kias. I also noticed a 'hot' smell in the cabin - as if something was overheating. I cancelled my trip and landed. I also noticed that the engine compartment door was very hot to the touch for a plane that had been running for 15 minutes. I notified the FBO mechanics.
Today I spoke to the planes owner who stated that there was a 'primer malfunction'. He offered no specific information but the inference was that the primer knob was not locked. Having flown this plane exclusively for the last 5 years I assured him that the primer knob was locked and that the primer had not been used to prime the engine for starting. He offered no technical info but referred to what he was told by his mechanics.
Does this make sense? Has anyone experienced this problem?
Today I spoke to the planes owner who stated that there was a 'primer malfunction'. He offered no specific information but the inference was that the primer knob was not locked. Having flown this plane exclusively for the last 5 years I assured him that the primer knob was locked and that the primer had not been used to prime the engine for starting. He offered no technical info but referred to what he was told by his mechanics.
Does this make sense? Has anyone experienced this problem?
