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Starting via
the starter screw is very straightforward, and once you get used to it, makes conventional
starting from in front of the whirling prop seem rather dangerous. However like any
procedure it needs a little practice to perfect it. For safe and reliable starting
always follow the guidelines below.
1. Always work
from behind the engine. Have your starting equipment, tools and yourself all behind the
prop line. If you are starting the engine on a plane the best arrangement is to have the
starter box behind one wing, and yourself kneeling behind the other wing. You can then
easily reach over to insert the starter adapter into the starter screw.
2. If
starting the engine from cold it is a good idea to reduce the load on the starter. This
can be done as follows. Firstly WITH THE GLOW OFF choke the engine and turn the prop over
a few times by hand to get fresh fuel and lubricant into the engine. Secondly immediately
before trying to start the engine WITH THE GLOW OFF turn the prop until the engine is just
past compression This allows the starter to get the engine spinning before it hits the
next compression stroke.
3. At
all times ensure that the engine is on a low throttle setting when you start it (1/8-1/4).
High throttle will make the engine difficult to turn over, and when it starts it may
occasionally cause the starter screw to slip out of the starter socket.
4. When
you have set up the starting arrangement as described above you can now start the engine.
Turn the glow on. Ensure fuel is getting through to the carb and that the needle is open
the correct amount. Carefully insert the starter adapter into the starter screw, angling
it backwards slightly to ensure you are well clear of the prop. Hold the starter very
firmly but without pressing down. Press the starter button. The engine should immediately
turn over rapidly and fire within 5 seconds.
5. If
the starter will not turn the engine over remove the starter, turn the glow off, turn the
prop back to top dead centre, close the throttle slightly to reduce the compression load
on the starter, turn the glow on and try again.
6. From
the earliest prototypes the RCV engine has always been an excellent starter. If the engine
will not start there is always a logical reason for it. In particular check that the glow
is adequate, and that fuel is getting through.
7. When
starting the engine in a new plane for the first time it is best to carry out the first
few starts without the cowl fitted in order to get used to it. If you are starting through
a hole in a cowling it is a good idea to fasten a metal reinforcing ring (washer or
similar) around the inside of the starting hole. Then on the rare occasions the starter
adapter does slip out of the starter screw it will not damage the cowl.
NB. The crankshaft must be rotated
clockwise (i.e.) the opposite direction to normal propeller rotation. This will require the starter connections to be
the opposite way round to normal.
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