Throttle Sweet Spot

[iamflagman]

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this, I have noticed on my 'Bird that there seems to be SWEET SPOT in the throttle position, where it seems to develop the most power and speed, it is most noticeable when I'm running in the hills similar to what I encounter when I leave here in the Columbia, SC area heading north on Interstate 77 up to Charlotte, NC. Since I have driven this particular route numerous times, I know just when to use my SWEET SPOT.


http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/101137034

What I men by the SWEET SPOT is if I back out of the throttle ever so slightly, rather than holding it all the way to the floor, I seem to carry more speed up to and over the top of the hills, but it takes a different mind set to remind myself to back out of the throttle to that sweet spot, it is a strange feeling when I let up off of the throttle and the speed is maintained for a longer distance on the hills, rather than with I STAND ON the throttle holding it firmly on the floor and it loses speed quicker. This takes some experimenting to find that SWEET SPOT, but it works for me. I find that the more often that I drive my 'Bird the easier it is to get into that frame of mind, because when I let the 'Bird set for an extended period of time, it takes a while, practice, practice...........practice!!!

I first encountered this when I was traveling from Montana to Wisconsin last year and I had a lot of not so very steep hills to cross and it was after that I started to remind myself to try it on larger hills, now when it comes to mountain grades, I just get out the sundial and relax

[Crit Bliss]

I can watch the power fall off on the boost/pyrometer, full throttle only makes max power at max rpm, at least that has been my observation

[konehd]

Hi John,

Dont know if this applies to the FC's, but here is some info on the DD's

http://www.tejascoach.com/tejasoil.html#Drive

/Joe

[iamflagman]

Originally Posted by konehd

Hi John,

Dont know if this applies to the FC's, but here is some info on the DD's

http://www.tejascoach.com/tejasoil.html#Drive

/Joe

Joe,

That is a lot better and more detailed description of what I was trying to explain, but is almost identical to my experience and should be almost a required read for all of us, it really makes a lot of good points to keep in mind when operating our 'Birds, especially the older ones that don't have large horsepower engines in them.

Thanks again for the link to Tips for Driving the 2 Stroke Detroit Diesel Engine these tips can be applied to all of the older low horsepower 'Birds.

[konehd]

Ya,

Glad it works..
Its a pretty good site for the DD 2strokes, lots of good info there.

Thanks, Joe