Engine starting technical articles

A hydraulic starter cranks on stored fluid pressure, so it is only as good as its accumulator. Here is how to size a hydraulic starting system, with a worked example.

A spring starter cranks a diesel engine on nothing but a wound-up spring: no battery, no air, no electrics. Here is how mechanical starting works and where it earns its place.

An air starter is only as reliable as the air behind it. Learn the four numbers that size an air starting system: working pressure, air consumption, starts before recharge and receiver volume, with a worked example you can follow.

The choice between an inertia and a pre-engaged starter comes down to how the pinion meets the ring gear. We explain how each works, the spark and safety differences, and which suits ATEX, fire pump and heavy diesel starting.

An air starter cranks a large engine with no electrics at all. We follow the compressed air from the inlet nozzles, across the turbine wheels and through the gearbox, then show where pneumatic starters earn their place in oil, gas and marine.

ATEX and IECEx both certify that a starter is safe in an explosive atmosphere, but they are not the same thing. We explain how the two schemes differ, and how to choose the right certified starter for a hazardous area.

How hydraulic engine starters work, the components involved, and when to choose one for marine, mining and oil and gas applications.