Flying on 3 or 4 cylinders

I dropped a cylinder in flight. I can tell you, a 4 banger does not run
smooth on 3 cylinders. I don't really think it is a matter of power, but
how much vibration you are going to get. In my case, the engine was running
so rough I made a landing at the nearest airport, which, as luck would have
it, was only 3 miles behind me. After touchdown, the engine ran at 100 RPM,
but when I retarded the throttle, it died and would not restart.


"Robert M. Gary" wrote in message
om...
I had to cancel a flight today because one of the plugs in my Mooney
doesn't seem to be firing (tried to burn it clean but no luck).
Anyway, it got me wondering what would happen if you lost both plugs
in a cylinder during cruise (certainly take off would suck). I often
cruise around in my Mooney at 45% power (as indicated on the EDM). I
would like that I would have at least 45%, right? I'm not planning on
flying with a dead plug but really just an academic curiousity.

-Robert