Ball vario overhaul?

On 16 Jun 2009 21:15:08 GMT, Brian Griffin
wrote:

At 00:32 23 November 2003, Anthony Turiano wrote:
My wife and I have recently acquired a 1-26B with a
Ball 400/6 (not a new installation). It is plumbed
parallel with a Winter mech. (and T.E. probe). Since
we acquired it, the Ball indicates climb pretty much
at all times, and no amount of adjustment (red knob
on back), setting selections, etc. have made a difference.
The Winter works fine, and I can identify no problems
with the flask or plumbing.

Does "pretty much all the time" include on the ground? If so, it's the
instrument electronics. If not, I'd suspect a leak between the Ball
and its flask. The suction from the total-energy probe would suck air
from the leak through the instrument, giving a climb indication.

Finding a leak can be tricky, but detecting its presence is a simple
matter of pressure testing with a water manometer. Put some water in a
length of transparent tubing, let it hang in a U shape, connect one
end to the probe connection, and CAREFULLY lower the other end until
the water levels in the two arms of the U are a few inches different.
If the system is leak-free, it will hold that pressure difference
indefinitely.

Obviously, be very careful not to let water into the plumbing! Always
keep the level in the outer arm lower, so you're applying suction, not
positive pressure.

rj