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Engine Lean of Peak – Good or Bad?

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Subscriber question:

 "Lean of peak engine operation – is it good or bad?" - Reno

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Bob:

“Leaning beyond peak requires balanced injectors and a graphic engine monitor to be used successfully. Carbureted engines are less likely to run smoothly lean of peak, due to uneven fuel distribution.

Lean of PeakLean beyond peak is a good way to save fuel, that’s a plus. A minus of this approach is that improper management of the mixture could lead to expensive engine repairs because of overheating and potential detonation. Be sure to understand the proper technique for your aircraft or you could have a bad result.

In addition, running lean of peak will reduce power slightly and therefore will result in less than maximum cruising speed, which could be bad depending on your priorities and expectations.

Know and understand how to properly operate your airplane and compute performance figures.”

(NEW) VFR Mastery scenario #94 “Gulf Coast Gauntlet” is now available. You’ve been dodging showery precipitation all the way home and you’ve got one area to bypass. The catch is the only VFR you can use is the peninsula on the west side of Tampa’s Class B, about 15 miles ahead. You stop and wait, but the only good airport is behind you and still IFR in showers. You circle to consider your options: VFR under the Bravo, VFR with a clearance through the Bravo, land without permission at a private airpark where no one seems to be monitoring the radio, or continue to circle, burning gas and hoping things improve. Watch the Intro video.

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