Auto Mixture/Radiator or manual control?

[ST_Catchov]

I just flit about using the default auto mixture/radiator which leaves me free to enjoy the feel of flight in these old buses and run away like a coward if threatened by virtual death without having to think too much about engine management. This is in SP only as my internet speeds are pretty crook. Satellite only. Can't even get a strong wireless signal where I am now let alone fibre. But I digress and it is what it is.

 

My questions are …. how many just stick with auto engine management or is there an advantage to controlling it manually and maybe getting better performance? What are the key bindings to manually control mixture and radiator settings? And is there a guide somewhere that indicates best temps for engine health on each kite? For mixture I presume you just fiddle to get the best rpm at whatever height yes? Richer lower down, leaner higher up. Thanks ….

[US63_SpadLivesMatter]

You only need to adjust the settings in these planes every once in a while.  Usually after a large altitude change.  Seeing how the auto control usually runs pretty suboptimal, I just keep it on manual.

[US103_Baer]

Some need more tlc than others. Spads are very sensitive and auto-mixture won't give best performance. It needs adjusting approx every 500m above 1000m.

 

All part of the fun

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

For mixture adjustment look at tachometer (RPM) , when they are decreasing you are to lean or to rich . You can also look for smoke exhaust - lean when it become darker during climb.

Auto control is safer I guess ,you can't over rev engine in dive, overheat or overcool , always on nominal parameters, personally I fly only manual I like the chance of me screwe something sometimes hehe like blow up engine in a Camel during dive for kill :)) Not that I forget to decrease RPMs , just not enough for I like to ride in the edge

[Zooropa_Fly]

I recommend going manual, there's really not much to do.

At lower altitude's, optimal mixture is 80-85% depending on the plane. (Most are 85, the French ones seem to be closer to 80).

Radiator control can be important depending on the map temperature. It's easy enough to keep an eye on the guage. I just sometimes forget to open it again if it's shut for over-cooling Doh !

There's a fair bit of difference in how hot the planes run, but you'll get used to how much radiator control you need for each crate once you start going manual.

S!

 

 

[PatrickAWlson]

Just posted this in another thread: if you go manual and you use autopilot be careful.  Make sure the mixture setting is not full rich or full lean otherwise you risk your engine cutting out when you come out of autopilot at a different altitude.

[ST_Catchov]

Ok thanks for the tips guys. I'll go manual then!