Flow and Combustion in Reciprocating Engines - Essay Example

Set the preheat control in a stalemate position to avoid damage and fire if a backfire happens.  Start the propeller and energize the engine starter after the propeller has rotated at least twice. Turn the primer switch on sporadically to start the engine. Once the engine starts running, hold the primer for some time and at the same instant open the throttle gradually to obtain a smooth running.   After the engine starts to operate smoothly, open the mixture control to the full rich level.  Observe the engine’s rpm indicator to identify any drop in rpm. A drop in rpm shows that the engine has started receiving additional fuel from the carburetor and therefore one can release the primer. To shut down the engine, turn off all the fuel pumps and set the gas mixture to the cut-off position. This is necessary for draining the engines to shut them down automatically. Essentially, following the above-discussed process will lead to a safer start and shutdown of the reciprocating engine.