Flying

Photo: Becky Kirkland, Hickory Daily Record.

Carburetor ice occurs because of the change in pressure as the air enters the carburetor, causing a decrease in temperature, and from the evaporation of fuel, which also causes a drop in temperature.

Carburetor ice happens most frequently at low RPMs (when the butterfly valve in the throat of the carb is more-closed (causing a greater temp/pressure drop), during high humidity days, and when there is a small temp. dew point spread.

Carburetor ice happens more easily in the Continental engine then the Lycoming. Air enters the Continental engine from the front of the cowling, and goes directly into the air filter. In the Lycoming, the air enters from beneath the engine and goes thru the oil sumps. The air is therefore warmer.

The warning signs are a drop in RPMs or a drop in manifold pressure without a change in altitude or throttle setting.
Always apply full carb heat, unless the manufacturer suggests otherwise, or a carb ice detector is installed [yes, they make these!]).

If carb ice is present the engine will run roughly as the ice melts into the carb and gets ingested by the engine. Leave carb heat on until RPMs return to the expected level. You may have to readjust the mixture since the warmer air is less dense.