914 Barely Starts and Won't Get Above 780RPM (Video)

Well, the engine is working again!  I gave the turbine a spin last night.  It didn't seem particularly stuck, but the Chief Pilot @ Sling said it can be just slightly stuck and a finger twirl will do it.  So, I tried this morning and it ran perfectly, including a run-up.

Hey Craig, wondering if you are using leaded fuel (and if yes, a lead scavenger additive) in your 914?

My 914 does not like leaded fuel (build-up on valve seats leading to loss of compression), and did not like the scavenger additive (sticking waste-gate; turns out the additive not recommended for turbo engines as it does move lead down through the exhaust system). Curious if your turbine issue may link to leaded fuel, versus a hot-stop.

Hi Tom,

Yes to both.  I use 100LL and Decalin...

I did do a TCU self-test and that seemed to move fine.

What symptoms/issues did you see?

Speculation;

I have always been skeptical about the use of "mechanical magic in a bottle" solutions. At best they seem to only deliver some of the, claimed, advantages - at worst non at all. All cost a lot for very little demonstrated advantage.

If you couple the above, with the understanding that they are "fixing" (?) symptoms that can usually be better addressed by prevention (eg use of unleaded fuel) their cost/effectiveness is extremely doubtful.

Sean, normally I agree with you about the magic potions being hocus pocus snake oil. But in this case, every true Rotax guru I have asked has said that Decalin works and should be used, if burning 100LL.