PGT
Well-Known Member
About 180 nm into a XC in a C152 the RPM gauge was starting to decrease but not gradual decrease, it was more of a sudden ~200 rpm drop that was very noticeable. It did this about every 20 seconds or so. I applied carb heat for it a bit and eventually it stopped. Applying carb heat there was no big change in rpm (dead giveaway?). When I took the carb heat out the engine got a big boost which to me would be the now water raising compression in the cylinders. Now the temp was 5 C, I was cruising at 5,500 at 70% power (around there) and no visible moisture; it was hazy and 8sm visibility. A low had just passed earlier in the day.
On the way back, this time about 150nm into the flight, it did the same thing but conditions were much better. I was up at 6,500 and no front in the area. Same thing, increase throttle/mixture and add carb heat got it to stop.
Was I picking up some carb ice from being up that high with lower temps and being powered back? I was thinking that was the case.
On the way back, this time about 150nm into the flight, it did the same thing but conditions were much better. I was up at 6,500 and no front in the area. Same thing, increase throttle/mixture and add carb heat got it to stop.
Was I picking up some carb ice from being up that high with lower temps and being powered back? I was thinking that was the case.