This morning while flying my cheetah after annual inspection, on which I thought we did a pretty extensive job. I did a static engine run-up, it held 2300 rpm,
everything checked out. Went for a 45 min flight, performance was great, we had replaced rudder springs and rerigged controls. She flew straight and level, hands off. Upon returning to the airport I decided to execute a short field landing which was uneventful, flaps up full power for takeoff and something wasn’t right, I should have aborted as I was 150 rpm low, but my instructor said lets go, needless to say the climbout was lethargic. I was able to complete the pattern and land safely, thank god, upon exiting the active runway engine would now only turn 2000 rpm. Called the mechanic and after 2 hours we restarted engine with the same results 2000 rpm max very rough with high egt on number 3 cylinder. Pulled plugs, they were dark on no.3 ok on other cylinders. restarted engine now it runs great full power 2300 static RPM ran for 30 min still running great. decide to pull carb and check
Low and behold we find a MUD Dobbers nest in the boot between air box and carb! It had to have gotten in thru the carb heat hole! I will be making a Plug to install in that hole while my plane is in the hanger!