Pneumatic starter motors
Proven reliability in explosive and offshore environments.
New to pneumatic starting? Read our guide on how an air starter works.
Powerstart pneumatic starter motors, also known as air starters, crank diesel and gas engines using stored compressed air, with no reliance on batteries or an electrical supply. That makes them a dependable choice wherever reliable starting matters most: oil and gas, marine, mining, power generation and fire pump applications.
Our Jetstream range uses a cast iron air turbine design for high cranking torque and long service life, and we supply both turbine and vane air starters to suit different engine sizes and duty cycles. Every unit is designed and manufactured in the UK, with ATEX and IECEx options available for hazardous and potentially explosive areas.
Whether you are specifying a starter for a new engine build or replacing an existing air starter motor, our team can match the right model to your engine make, bore and available air pressure.
Browse the range below, or request a quote and we will recommend the correct pneumatic starter for your application.
Air starter models
Model
Engine size
Jetstream 4
Up to 15 litres
Jetstream 5
Up to 80 litres
Nozzles
Inlet Pressure (bar)
Breakaway torque (Nm)
Max. power (KW)
Max. consumption (m³/s)
Jetstream 4
1
30
78
7.8
0.37
5
8.0 / 5.5
95 / 63
12.0 / 7.5
0.29 / 0.20
Jetstream 5
6
10.0 / 8.0 / 6.0
180 / 147 / 103
17.0 / 12.5 / 8.2
0.35 / 0.27 / 0.19
10
10.0 / 8.0 / 6.0
300 / 233 / 194
30.8 / 23.7 / 16.5
0.54 / 0.42 / 0.33
14
8.0 / 6.0 / 3.0
338 / 160 / 120
26.4 / 19.6 / 8.4
0.55 / 0.43 / 0.22
Advantages
Completely non-electric and safe
- Cranks on stored compressed air alone, with no battery or electrical dependency.
- ATEX and IECEx options for hazardous and potentially explosive areas.
- No ignition risk, ideal for offshore and confined environments.
Reliable, repeatable starting
- High cranking torque for fast, first-time starts on large diesel and gas engines.
- Instant, repeatable starts with no recharge time between attempts.
- Dependable even after long periods of standby.
Rugged and low maintenance
- Unaffected by cold, heat, vibration and humidity.
- Lubrication-free running with very low maintenance.
- Long service life from a rugged cast iron construction.
ATEX and IECEx starters for hazardous areas
In a zoned or potentially explosive area, the feature that matters is the pre-engaged design. A pre-engaged starter meshes the pinion with the flywheel before the motor turns, which removes the impact and friction of an inertia engagement. It is the pre-engaged models that carry ATEX approval to EN1834-1 and EN1834-2.
Both Jetstream models are available as either inertia or pre-engaged, so the choice is made at order against the requirements of the installation rather than being fixed by the model. On the Jetstream 5, a beryllium-copper non-spark pinion is available as a further option where the risk assessment calls for it.
For the difference between the two certification schemes and which one applies to your site, see ATEX vs IECEx engine starters.
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Physical specifications
| Jetstream 4 Inertia | Jetstream 4 Pre-Engaged | Jetstream 5 Pre-Engaged Overhung | Jetstream 5 Pre-Engaged Outboard | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 331 mm (13.0 in) | 324 mm (12.8 in) | 398 mm (15.7 in) | 372 mm (14.6 in) |
| Weight | 10.0 kg (22.0 lb) | 10.0 kg (22.0 lb) | 17.0 kg (37.4 lb) | 16.0 kg (35.2 lb) |
Need a mounting flange or a drawing for a specific engine? Request a quote and we will send the detail across.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pneumatic starter the same as an air turbine starter?
Air turbine (pneumatic) starters are one type of pneumatic starter, and in practice the terms are used for the same thing. The Jetstream range is an air turbine design. Vane starters are the other main type, using sliding vanes in an eccentric rotor rather than a turbine wheel.
What size engine will a Powerstart air starter crank?
The Jetstream 4 starts diesel engines up to 15 litres and the Jetstream 5 up to 80 litres. Both are available as inertia or pre-engaged.
What air pressure does a pneumatic starter motor need?
Powerstart pneumatic starter motors are supplied for low, medium or high inlet pressure, covering a range from 3 to 30 bar. The Jetstream 4 runs at 30 bar on a single nozzle, or 8.0 and 5.5 bar on five. The Jetstream 5 covers 10.0 down to 3.0 bar depending on nozzle count.
The right option depends on the air supply already on site, so it is specified at order.
Are pneumatic starters suitable for hazardous areas?
Yes. The pre-engaged models are ATEX approved to EN1834-1 and EN1834-2, and IECEx options are available. Pre-engagement is the feature that matters in a zoned area, because the pinion meshes with the flywheel before the motor turns.
On the Jetstream 5 a beryllium-copper non-spark pinion is available where the risk assessment calls for it.
Do air starters need lubrication?
No. Powerstart air starters run without lubrication and are built as a fit-and-forget installation, with cast iron construction for long service life in marine and offshore conditions.