First engine start, how to prepare?

[swisseagle]

I’m short before the first engine run, what a task after 11 years of building!

Now the BIG question: What should be done to not harm the engine?

Mattituck TMX-IO-320, red gold
Roller tappet
AFS Fuel Injection
2x P-MAG
Sensenich metal FP

- Is there a Lycoming paper that describe this?

Otherwise I was thinking of this, but unsure:
- Drain anti rust oil, put a new oil filter on, refill with straight mineral oil (Phillips 20W50).
- Remove bottom spark plugs, drain any oil from the cylinder.
- Rotate propeller (x times?) to fill up the oil-system (filter, oil galley’s)?
- Check correct timing on the 2x P-MAG’s.
- Put in clean and proper gaped spark plugs.
- Purge the oil-pressure-line up to the pressure sensor?
- Purge the fuel pressure line up to the pressure sensor?
- Disconnect fuel line at the throttle body, flush fuel system with el. fuel pump, reconnect line.
- Fully charge the battery.
- As last step, connect the starter back again.

For sure also this:
- Put chocks under the wheel’s.
- Prepare fire extinguisher.
- Instruct ground crew.
- Mentally go thru engine start sequence.
- … wake up the engine and enjoy

Did I missed something?







The pictures are not brand new. In the mean time, the FWF section is finished, prop and spinner are on

[drill_and_buck]

How exciting, I remember that time well.

Looks like you are well prepared for the start. A few other considerations:

1. Think about what engine parameters you will want to check during this test
2. If you have an EMS, enable data logging with the minimal interval
3. Review engine starting procedures, particularly for flooded engines.
4. If you have an aux power outlet, consider using a jump pack
5. Face the airplane into the wind, cowl off
6. Position a helper with a Class C fire extinguisher (and a camera)
7. Review communication procedures with your ground crew
8. Make sure your flaps are up!
9. Start the engine, celebrate the sound, try not to jump out of your seat
10. Run the engine at 1,000 RPM for 2 minutes while you scan your ems and your ground crew checks for anomalies
11. At the 2 minute mark, slowly advance the throttle to 1700 RPM, check both mags
12. Watch your CHTs. If at any time they approach 400, terminate ground run
13. Shut down the engine at the 3 minute mark
14. Perform a thorough inspection of the engine compartment for fuel/oil leaks and any loose connections
15. Download EMS data, review every second
16. Once the engine is cool enough to touch, process may be repeated.

Congratulations on reaching a milestone that many dream about but few achieve.

[pierre smith]

Tie down the tail to a pickup bumper or similar.

Best,

[Auburntsts]

Lycoming SI 1241C discusses pre-oiling the engine prior to initial start.

[Robert Anglin]

Sounds like you have a good handle on this, only one fine point we have always tried to do. Once you have your engine charged with oil, it is a good idea to confirm you have positive flow and pressure to the full engine oil system before you load any part of your engine. What we do is leave the top plugs out, remove the oil sending unit or it's hose and turn the engine through by hand tell we have good flow into a jar or plastic container. Then we put the sending unit or hose back in place and turn the engine by hand tell we can see some oil coming from the oil filter we left a little lose. When we know we have oil flow to the oil passages, and the oil filter, we tighten everything, safety it and then turn it over some more to be sure. We then clear the area in front of every thing and turn the engine over with the starter with the plugs still out and safety grounds on the mags. We look for a pressure build-up on the oil pressure gage. When we see pressure we know we have the system purged for the most part and can bet that the engine will prime and build pressure as soon as you stat it. It dose not hurt to turn it over a few time between starter cool-down to be sure you have filled the oil filter before first start also. This has been a good safety check of many new dry engines of all kinds down through the years. The rest of your start-up sounds pretty good. I would do the same with the fuel system as with the oil. Start at the tanks and clear and purge all lines all the way out to the last one on the engine. You should not have any leaks if you check your fitting as you go as well. Your doing good, great work.
Yours as always, R.E.A. III #80888

[Jesse]

I never purge the pressure lines. I also don't change the filter before first run, but it can't hurt.

I always leave the bottom plugs out and crank the engine until I see oil pressure. I usually spin it by hand for a minute or two to start priming the oil, but I usually crank with the starter to see at least 25-30PSI before I do the first run.

Having someone watch for leaks while running is helpful, but make sure they stay clear of the prop (keep one hand on thre wing at all times). Plan for how they will signal you to shut down.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Auburntsts

Lycoming SI 1241C discusses pre-oiling the engine prior to initial start.

Copy here -

http://www.lycoming.com/Portals/0/te...al%20Start.pdf

Also relevant is this Lycoming SI which describes how to do the first run -

http://www.lycoming.com/Portals/0/te...onsumption.pdf

[miyu1975]

You got a lot covered here..

Most importantly too, don't forget video and obligatory post to VAF. First engine start is a big day indeed.

[Toobuilder]

Roller cam or flat tappet?

[airguy]

I'm in the same boat with you, likely will do the first engine start this weekend. The only thing I would add to your list is make sure your brakes are filled with fluid and functional, and don't rely on using them - tie the tail tie-down ring to something large enough not to care.