experimental cold start procedure - so far, it seems better
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:23 pm
I have a carbureted O-320 with no fuel primer system, and I believe I am getting faster starts with this method.
1. Upon entering the cockpit, before you do anything else, give the throttle a half stroke and then close it. Then go about your normal preflight stuff, putting on your headset, checklist items, etc.
2. Then start as you normally do.
I believe the initial throttle stroke and then closing the throttle and waiting a couple minutes allows some amount of fuel to vaporize and gives a faster start. If it is really cold, you may need to wait longer.
I have never had a problem starting within a couple blades but with this procedure it is one blade. Less strain on the starter.
1. Upon entering the cockpit, before you do anything else, give the throttle a half stroke and then close it. Then go about your normal preflight stuff, putting on your headset, checklist items, etc.
2. Then start as you normally do.
I believe the initial throttle stroke and then closing the throttle and waiting a couple minutes allows some amount of fuel to vaporize and gives a faster start. If it is really cold, you may need to wait longer.
I have never had a problem starting within a couple blades but with this procedure it is one blade. Less strain on the starter.