TDI TURBO
TWIN
FROM
TECH DEVELOPMENT
Publication
T1-932
Page
7
Issued May 20, 2016
The drive air pressure is the primary starter control
parameter
.
It is important, especially on new
installations, to measure this pressure during several
engine starts. The secondary parameter is the starter
pinion speed. This speed is usually measured by
knowledge of the engine starting speed and the starter
cranking ratio. The cranking ratio is the number of ring
gear teeth divided by the number of pinion teeth. The
starter pinion speed is then found by multiplying the
engine speed by the cranking ratio. The pinion speed is
usually 2000-3500 rpm at typical engine starting speed.
4.2 AUTOMATED START PANEL
The starter drive pressure measured at the starter inlet
will need to be set. As noted above, for maximum life of
the starter pinion and for the protection of the engine ring
gear, limit the operating pressure to that necessary to
start the engine at its most difficult starting conditions.
The speed control parameter will then need to be set.
Engine starting speed along with the cranking ratio
number can be used to determine starter pinion speed.
The pinion speed is usually 2000-3500 rpm for a typical
engine starting speed. Once the start sequence has
begun, the air is admitted to the starter. The starter
begins to accelerate the engine. Once the firing speed of
the engine is reached, the automated start panel may
deliver fuel to the engine. The engine will begin to
accelerate under its own power. The starter should be
dropped out of the sequence at an rpm higher than the
firing speed, but less than the engine idle speed.
The automated start panel should monitor engine speed
to determine air on and air off. Do not simply use time
as a control parameter. Avoiding excessive operation of
the starter after the engine is firing will maximize the
starter life.
4.3 BEST OPERATING PRACTICES
To extend starter life, apply only the minimum
pressure required, to successfully crank & start
the engine.
Never exceed starter maximum operating
pressure identified on starter nameplate. This
pressure can be best measured dynamically
while starter is running.
For longer starter life, operate (or design controls)
to shut off supply pressure to the air starter
immediately after a successful engine start.
If engine fails to start or stalls, wait at least 15
seconds before attempting to re-start to allow
the starter to coast to a complete stop.
Never re-engage pinion into ring gear when
starter is coasting down as this may damage the
starter pinion gear and engine ring gear.
Never engage starter while engine is operating as
this may damage the starter, the pinion gear,
and engine ring gear.
5.0 WARRANTY
Tech Development (TDI) warrants to the original user of the TDI
T
URBO
T
WIN
™
air starters to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of installation. The warranty period shall not extend
beyond two years from the date the unit was manufactured. (i.e.: a unit with a manufactured date of July 1999 (SN: 9907-
101) will not be covered under warranty after July 2001). The conditions of this warranty are:
a)
TDI is notified within this
period by return of such product to TDI or its authorized distributor/dealer, transportation prepaid by user;
b)
the starter
has been installed according to TDI's specifications;
c)
the starter has not been misused, abused, or improperly
maintained by user;
d)
the defect is not the result of normal wear and tear;
e)
the starter has been repaired with parts
manufactured or authorized by TDI; and
f)
TDI installation and repair procedures as outlined in the appropriate manual
were properly followed.
Tech Development will repair, or at its option, replace the unit during the warranty period at no charge to the customer,
provided it is returned to TDI with the proper return procedure.
Tech Development makes no other warranty, and implied warranties including any warranty or merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose are hereby disclaimed.
This warranty constitutes the entire obligation of Tech Development relating to the sale and use of such product, and
TDI's maximum liability is limited to the purchase price of such product at the date of purchase. In no event shall TDI be
liable for incidental, indirect, consequential, or special damages of any nature arising from the sale or use of such engine
starter product.
