What is probably the most common item of information we need when we're starting out with an engine for the first time, whether it be our first engine, or a type we've never seen before? How do I start it! While we all like to pretend that when we receive a "new" engine we carefully check it over by taking it apart and verifying it is in a condition to be started, the real story for most of us (me included) is that within minutes of getting it home (or in my case with my first engine I did it where it sat after buying it) we try and make it go. We want to see the satisfying sight of the engine bursting into life to justify the cash and effort we just poured into its acquisition!
This article is the result of a question I posted to the Stationary Engine Mailing list calling for submissions on how people start their various engines. I received a pretty good response, and for my part have contributed starting procedures for each of the engine types I've got running in my possession. Generally speaking, all engines start in approximately the same way - you spin them over until they fire :)... ok so it is not quite that simple with most of them...
Lubrication
Note all of these starting directions skip one key point - if your engine has external oiling through drop oiler(s) turn them on immediately the engine starts to fire so it does not seize up!. For my oilers I use a drop or two per minute per horsepower. For example for a 3HP engine, I use between 3 and 6 drops per minute. If you are getting a lot of oil thrown around during running you're probably using too much and should cut it back a bit. I test the drops per minute with the engine stopped because often you cannot see the drips when the engine is running because the air pressure in the tube splats the drip all over the inside of the sight glass when it falls. If you have this problem you might try putting a check valve under the oiler, or drilling a hole in the sight feed tube to relieve pressure. Remember to close the oiler when you stop the engine or you'll get covered in it next time you start.
If your engine has grease cups, before starting open each cup and top it off, screw it down until grease appears around whatever part it lubricates, open and top off again. Every hour or so I screw mine in a quarter turn.
Before starting I also go over the engine and oil all the stated oiling points. In addition I put a small amount of oil into each exposed gear and other moving bits (like valve stems, the pivot point on a governor etc.). You don't need much oil, just a very thin film. If your engine is throwing oil around while it is running it is probably getting too much from you!
Enough fuel
Nearly all the petrol and kerosene directions talk about closing the needle valve after starting until the engine runs clean. You start with a very rich mixture (lots of fuel) which would quickly carbon up an engine and kill it (not permanently!) if left that way and use way too much fuel. After the engine starts firing, slowly close the needle valve a little after each fire until there is no more black smoke coming out of the exhaust while the engine is running. Stop AS SOON AS THERE IS NO SMOKE - DO NOT LEAN IT OF FURTHER! If you make the mixture too lean the engine will run too hot and die (potentially permanently!).
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Written by Paul Pavlinovich
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Tuesday, 06 October 2009 17:31 |
Just for a smile...
Quite a few people sent through funny examples - I include them to give you a bit of a laugh, I'm sure if you've ever tried to start a recalcitrant engine, you'll be able to relate and get a bit of a laugh....
Rope start lawn mo [ … ] |
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Written by Paul Pavlinovich
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Tuesday, 06 October 2009 17:30 |
Submitted by Larry Evans
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Starting a 1911 50 hp. Fairbanks Morse type RE engine. This is a 2 cylinder vertical engine running on gasoline. Engine is a standard 4 stroke cycle, equipped with ignitors and uses compressed air for starting. This engine is located in the power house [ … ] |
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Written by Paul Pavlinovich
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Tuesday, 06 October 2009 17:29 |
Submitted by Peter Scales
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1. Remove Crankcase Door and fill the connecting rod troughs with lubricating oil of the correct quality.
2. Using engine oil in oil can, well oil connecting rod big end through the holes provided.
3. Open Oil Filler Cover.
4. Fill sump with oil to wi [ … ] |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 October 2009 17:30 |
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Written by Paul Pavlinovich
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Tuesday, 06 October 2009 17:27 |
Submitted by Peter Scales
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Points 1 to 7 apply to the singles, 3-1, 5-1 (6-1), 8 to 15 to all models.
Remove Crankcase Door and pour in Lubricating oil of the correct quality till it overflows into the sump.
Using engine oil in oil can, well oil connecting rod big end throu [ … ] |
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Written by Paul Pavlinovich
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Tuesday, 06 October 2009 17:27 |
Submitted by Rick Strobel
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Preflight/Lube/Gas-Up
Review emergency shutdown proceedures in my head.
Open main fuel valve.
Push in on the movable igniter contact several times..This "scrubs" the
contacts.
Open mixer needle valve one quarter turn, close choke (This is for the old
mixer w/air [ … ] |
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