- Tue Sep 29, 2020 6:27 pm
#93284
One would obviously employ a man to do that!
Built like a gun... could go BANG!
A few unorthodox starting systems,
I recall a large Cat diesel in an Irish fishing boat that had a little (twin?) 2 stroke petrol engine cast into the side of it's block which one hand started before engaging this to start the main engine. I also worked on Lister Blackstone engines that had an electric oil pump wired such that the main engine wouldn't start until said pump created pressure to lubrication system of engine, I'm sure that this contributed to legendary longevity, in fact a priming system as found on some early motorcycles. Compressed air starting, air over oil and cartridge starting were other methods used by various manufacturers. I have somewhere a photo of a Hucks starter for early aircraft: this was a pronged high level shaft mounted on a Ford model T chassis which was driven up in front of propeller until prongs engaged, then an auxiliary clutch allowed the shaft to rotate engine to start - I guess driver had to double check he was in reverse before escaping! Inertia starting was another aero engine system of the past. I have seen a spring starter option as a direct substitute and similar size to an electric starter motor on a six cylinder diesel engine - similar theory as the "wind up" starter on some Honda scooters but on greater scale. I'm sure others will be able to add to this list!
