Manual Lean

[Saxman]

In the original Corsairs the red band on the mixture control between Idle Cutoff and Auto Lean was a manual lean, which was primarily provided for cases where there were problems with the engine, but could also be used by the pilot for maximum fuel efficiency if desired. Currently, there is no manual lean implemented.

Can this functionality be added?

[Mav87th]

The Cold start training narrative also advices to slowly add mixture up to auto lean.

[Saxman]

4 hours ago, Mav87th said:

The Cold start training narrative also advices to slowly add mixture up to auto lean.

It says slowly increase to Auto Rich. I don't think the manual mix went beyond 50%, tho.

[Cunctator]

Interestingly recommended mixture settings change between the 1944 and 1945 revisions of the pilots manual. Our F4U and tutorials seem to be based on the latter. In 1945 the manual is very confident that auto lean setting provides maximum efficiency and does not recommend manual leaning at all, except in case of erractic carburetor metering. 

The mixture lever originally had a fourth setting full-rich or emergeny rich that was made inoperative late in the F4Us service life. In 1944 Auto rich is still recommended for all flight operations above 65 % power, in 1945 only for take off and landing.  

[Mav87th]

5 hours ago, Saxman said:

It says slowly increase to Auto Rich. I don't think the manual mix went beyond 50%, tho.

I stand corrected Saxman. What you said....