Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #28451
From: Perry Casson <pcasson@sasktel.net>
Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Starting a rotary with EC-2
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2005 12:44:57 -0600
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
I don't have Tracy's firmware update with the "Prime" function but if you have a injector disable switch you can turn them off/on about 10 times and this along with your 6 steps works well to about -5 C (20F) for real cold by Canadian standards I've resorted to a short squirt of lubricated Ether, thats worked down to any temp I've wished to go flying in (~-15C/-4F)

Perry



Mark R Steitle wrote:

I was curious as to what techniques are used to start an EC-2 equipped rotary in very cold (below 32* F) weather.

I know some use the EC-2’s Program Button to prime the engine, pressing as many as 20 times before attempting to start the engine. I’m curious if this is something that’s always done, or only when very cold. How do you know how many times to hit the primer button? Trial and error?

Here’s the technique I typically use for my 20B with 550cc injectors (but haven’t tried it in really cold weather):

1) Turn On Main & Aux. Battery contactors, fuel pumps, EC-2, injectors and coils,

2) turn “Cold Start” ON,

3) Turn mixture knob full rich,

4) Hit starter until engine fires,

5) Within 3-5 seconds, turn off “Cold Start” (leave mixture knob full rich)

6) As engine warms, slowly bring mixture knob to 12 o’clock position.

This seems to give the most repeatable starts (for me), and I’m afraid to tinker with success. However, if there is truly a better starting procedure, I’m open to suggestions.

Mark S.


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