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TIPS FOR COLD-WEATHER ENGINE STARTS

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Do not select high RPM or high power until the oil temperature is in the normal range.

By Helmuth Eggeling

Most of the country is at winter�s midpoint, with several months remaining to deal with cold temperatures on the ground and aloft. Besides the formation of ice, which upsets the aerodynamic performance of the airplane and propeller as well as engine power, cold atmospheric conditions could also affect how well or how badly an engine will start. Probably the most frustrating aspect of cold-weather operation is getting an engine started. The following tips, which I adopted from an ancient Garrett Turbine Tips and Topics newsletter (1974), will assist in getting your cold-soaked TPE331 engine started successfully and in a predictable manner.

NOTE: As always, procedures outlined in the specific Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) take precedence over the pilot tips outlined below.

First, some facts about engine oil. When oil gets cold, it gets thick. This problem is ameliorated by using synthetic turbine oil. Type II oils (MIL-L-23699) for airplanes are akin to 20W-40W for cars, while Type I (MIL-L-7808) is akin to 10W-30W automotive oil. Commonly, Type II is used when operating in moderate climates. Type I, on the other hand, is used for extremely cold environments. It is thinner than Type II and therefore reduces engine load during starting. When switching oils, remember these cautions:

1. Don�t mix types or brands of oil;

2. Follow the flushing procedures in the maintenance manual when changing oil types;

3. Dumping fuel into the oil for cold weather starting is never permitted for the TPE331.

CAUTION: Only those oil types and brands listed in the specific AFM may be used. DO NOT mix type and/or brand.

Oil pressure transient above normal limits is possible in cold ambient temperatures. After starting the engine, you should limit re-setting engine RPM as much as possible and maintain minimum idle speeds until oil temperatures approach normal.

When taxiing the aircraft with cold oil, keep control inputs smooth and slow and, when possible, keep RPM changes to a minimum. Propeller response in Beta mode may be sluggish. In any case, do not select high RPM or high power until the oil temperature is in the normal range.

Propeller-governing RPM also is affected by oil temperature. That means that with colder-than-typical oil temperature, governing RPM may be slightly higher than what is considered normal.

A second tip concerning cold-weather starts is that batteries need attention, too. As the oil gets thicker, it makes the engine more difficult to turn. Therefore, more energy is needed to start the engine. Unfortunately, the colder a battery gets the less energy it can deliver for starting. For that reason, whenever the temperature is below 54 degrees F (12 degrees C), use external power (if available) for starting.

If external power is not available and a battery start must be made with cold-soaked engines, it is recommended to keep the battery warm. If possible, have it stored in a warm place or use a battery warmer.

NOTE: Removing and reinstalling batteries may constitute maintenance action and could, therefore, require an entry in the logbook and a sign-off by a certified and/or licensed mechanic.

The third tip for effective cold-weather starting is that external heat helps. If no external power is available, a ground heater unit makes an ideal cold-weather companion. Split its output between the engine oil tank and the battery compartment.

Tip four: Consider using some special preflight actions. During the walkaround, some of the engine�s stiffness can be reduced by pulling the propellers through by hand. I suggest 10 to 20 blades to reduce some of the drag imposed by the congealed oil.

CAUTION: Make certain that the inlet is free from snow and ice, and do not force the rotation by hand.

These cold-weather starting tips are intended to be supplemental to the FAA-approved limitations and operating procedures published in the appropriate AFM. For additional information on cold-weather operations or any other TPE331 engine operational issues, please contact me at 602 231-2697, or send an e-mail message to [email protected].

This article appeared in a previous issue of Flight Levels Update.




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