Section 4
Columbia 400 (LC41-550FG)
Normal Procedures
Initial Issue of Manual: November 10, 2004
RC050002
Latest Revision Level/Date: -/11-10-2004
4-35
After starting the engine, set the idle to 1000 RPM or less until an increase in oil temperature is
noted. Since the oil in the oil pressure gauge line may be congealed, as much as 30 seconds may
elapse before oil pressure is indicated. If pressure is not indicated within one minute, shut the
engine down and determine the cause. Monitor oil pressure closely, and watch for sudden
increases or decreases in oil pressure. If necessary, reduce power below 1000 RPM to maintain
oil pressure below 100 psi. If the oil pressure drops suddenly to below 30 psi, shut the engine
down, and inspect the lubricating system. If no damage or leaks are noted, preheat the engine for
an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
Before takeoff, when performing the runup check, it may be necessary to incrementally increase
engine RPM to prevent oil pressure from exceeding 100 psi. At 1700 RPM, adjust the propeller
control to the full decrease position until minimum RPM is observed. Repeat this procedure three
or four times to circulate warm oil into the propeller dome. Check magnetos and other items in
the normal manner. When the oil temperature has reached 100
°
F and oil pressure does not
exceed 60 psi at 2500 RPM, the engine has warmed sufficiently to accept full rated power.
During takeoff and climb, the fuel flow may be high; however, this is normal and desirable since
the engine will develop more horsepower in the substandard ambient temperatures.
NOTE
In cold weather below freezing, ensure engine oil viscosity is SAE 30, 10W30,
15W50, or 20W50. In case of temporary cold weather, consideration should
be given to hangaring the airplane between flights.
HOT WEATHER OPERATIONS
Flight operations during hot weather usually present few problems. It is unlikely that ambient
temperatures at the selected cruising altitude will be high enough to cause problems. The
airplane design provides good air circulation under normal flight cruise conditions. However,
there are some instances where abnormally high ambient temperatures need special attention.
These are:
1. Starting a hot engine
2. Ground operations under high ambient temperature conditions
3. Takeoff and initial climb out.
After a hot engine is stopped, the temperature of its various components begins to stabilize.
Engine parts with good airflow will cool faster. In some areas, where conduction is high and
circulation is low, certain engine parts will increase in temperature. In particular, the fuel
injection components (especially the fuel injection pump) will become heat-soaked and may
cause the fuel in the system to become vaporized.
During subsequent starting attempts the fuel pump will be pumping a combination of fuel and
fuel vapor. Until the entire system is filled with liquid fuel, difficult starting and unstable engine
operations can normally be expected. To correct this problem, set the fuel selector to either tank,
close the throttle, set the mixture to idle cutoff, and operate the primer for 3 to 5 seconds. Ensure
that the vapor suppression and backup boost pumps are off, and perform a normal start.
Ground operations during high ambient temperature conditions should be kept to a minimum. In
situations which involve takeoff delays, or when performing the Before Takeoff Checklist, it is
imperative that the airplane is pointed into the wind. During climb out, it may be necessary to
