hates the cold

[thejockstrap75]

hey guys any tips on getting the Mk1 to start on a frosty -5 degree morning? i primed it 10 to 15 times..she kicked over...ran extremely rough for 10 seconds then died.could not get it restarted
help!

[Killratio]

Spitifre Mk I or II?

If Spitfire I, did you turn off the starting mag as soon as she started or let it stay on?

Did you advance the throttle slightly as she ran up?

Did you make sure the fuel cocks were turned on?

Did you keep priming like mad until she ran up?

All the SOPs become even more important at cold temps. What you can botch and get away with at 20C (ie she still starts) will leave you sitting in a cold, dark and lifeless Spitfire at -5C.

Try again taking above into account and if you still have problems post back detailing your proceedure, I'll try to help more,


Darryl

[Erlk0enig]

Did you swich on the Starter magneto (right side of the main panel)? I had the same problem at -15°C, but after flipping the starter magneto, it catched.

Another problem might be the pitch of the prop. The manual says to start the engine with coarse pitch and switch after starting to fine pitch, but try to start it with fine pitch.

BR
E.

[Killratio]

E...if the Starting Mag is not switched on it won't start at all..not start then quit

regards


Darryl

[thejockstrap75]

thanks gents...Darryl,i left the starting mags on...but since then i tried your tips and started.she runs rough as hell(great sounds )until she warms up thanks again

[Killratio]

Mate,

take the throttle up a little more... but SLOWLY until she stops running rough...you will probably then need to reduce it again as the engine "takes" to stop the revs and therefore oil pressure going too high. Watch oil pressure VERY closely when it is that cold and make sure you have "winter" oil on board!!

Good luck and glad it's getting going now...

Darryl

[thejockstrap75]

will do....cheers darryl

[seaniam81]

If you follow the checklist in the manual you can get the mk1 and 2 up and running in -25C. Is it a pain? You bet. Personally I start in the cold with the radiator closed, and then full open when i start to see some life in rad temp and oil temp gauges.

[Scott - A2A]

"hey guys any tips on getting the Mk1 to start on a frosty -5 degree morning?"

Are we talking Fahrenheit or Celsius? -5 F is brutal.

[VulcanB2]

"hey guys any tips on getting the Mk1 to start on a frosty -5 degree morning?"

Are we talking Fahrenheit or Celsius? -5 F is brutal.

Sounds like I need to try this ASAP!

I found even in +20°C conditions that I need to use the start mag. I switch it off once she's running smoothly.

Best regards,
Robin.