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Starting an EngineThe instructions for starting an engine are in a way particular to each engine style. I'll go through some of the basic starting instructions for a few of the engines I own - you can pick the one that seems to suit your circumstances and go for it. In each of the starting instructions I'll assume that you've already make sure things such as the fuel tank tap are open :)
Safe CrankingThe first thing to remember is that most engines are cranked, make sure that when you crank an engine you use the "closed fist". By "closed fist" I mean that you tuck your thumb into your palm then wrap your fingers around the crank. Why do this? Pretty simple, if the engine sparks and fires backwards (common) then if you do not have your thumb tucked you may not have to bother next time!Starting FluidSome engine owners swear by starting fluid such as ether or some other equally flamable substance. While I've seen this sort of thing work I've also been told not to try it. Make your own judgement.Oil Engine - Hot Bulb or Chimney FlameStart the torch using this procedure once the bulb or chimney is good and hot (varies from hot to touch to cherry red depending on the engine) follow the procedure below for the hit-n-miss. Often these older engines have a priming cup where you can drop some fuel (or starting fluid) right into the combustion chamber. After the engine is hot enough, fill the cup bring the engine to the start of the intake stroke then open the valve on the cup, when it is drained close the valve and go for it. You might find on these older bigger engines that it is easier to spin the flywheels backwards, when the engine fires it will (ok, ok, should) start running in the right direction.A petrol/kerosene hit-n-miss with magneto/coil (plug or ignitor)Open the mixing valve about one turn and cover the carburetor intake with your hand (you might need a second person to do this if your engine is big). Turn the flywheels away from the front of the engine one or two turns by placing the palm of your hand on the face of the flywheel and pushing it along. One you feel or see wetness in the intake of the carburetor take your hand away. Close the mixing valve all the way and reopen it to about one third. If the engine has a trip magneto set the trip handle to the starting (advanced) position. Stand behind the engine and pull the flywheels toward you until the engine is at maximum compression. Just before this you should have heard the characteristic fart of air being drawn in through the inlet valve (if not then you have one more cycle to go). Now pull the flywheels back sharply. If you are lucky the engine will start, if not - do it again :). This procedure usually works even when the engine has a crank.A petrol/kerosene throttle governed engine with magneto/coil (plug or ignitor)You can probably follow the exact same procedure as for the hit and miss except that it will be harder to tell when it is on the right stroke since they dont make much noise on the intake. On throttle governed engines I personally prefer to use the crank since I have more success that way.Diesel EngineTo make it possible to crank the engine you have to overcome the extreme compression of the engine. If you cannot do this then the engine probably cannot be hand cranked. The engine will have some kind of pressure release, it could be a twist valve (eg. Lister CS) or a decompressor lever (eg. Lister LD) or a tap valve in the cylinder head. Open the decompressor, turn on the fuel (there will probably be a stop/run/start lever to adjust the injectors) and start cranking the engine (you dont even need to worry about the thumb since the engine cannot fire before you compress it). Once you've reached a good speed of at least 50rpm close the decompressor (important: if you have a multi cylinder engine close them all quickly the engine will be out of balance if not all cylinders are firing) and the engine should chug into life.Like to include instructions for starting your engine?If you would like to comment on the procedures here, or you would like to submit instructions for starting your engines, please do. send them to me.Starting a Stationary Engine - HOWTO directions for many engines types and styles This article is part of the Stationary Internal Combustion Engine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). This series is a combination of my views and knowledge and the views and knowledge of other people - most of them members of the Stationary Engine Mailing List (More info on ATIS). Those articles which were written by others are © Copyright to the author. Those articles written by myself are © Copyright to Paul Pavlinovich.
Got comments?If you would like to comment on any part of the FAQ please do so by using theDisclaimer:It should be noted that the information given in this document is considered to be good advice by the people who give it, however any legal liability lies strictly with the reader. The contributors are hobbiests not professionals. |
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Last modified Sunday, 06-Aug-2006 12:10:51 BST |
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