Engineering News .
Page 10
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Electrical starting
START PILOT, a manufacturer of cold starting equipment for diesel engines, is marketing a new electrically controlled unit designed for engines of up to 260kW (350bhp).
The 350's function is to deliver an atomised spray of Start Pilot fluid into the engine inlet manifold as the engine is cranked. (36in) wide and has a single lever operation for releasing the locking jaw.
The 350 is intended as an alternative to, rather than a replacement for, the Viso F system.
Whereas the latter employs a dash-mounted hand pump or a miniature compressor to pressurise the reservoir and discharge the fluid, the 350 uses a standard Start Pilot "Gasomatic" aerosol can operated remotely by solenoid valve.
The 350 can be wired into the engine ignition system so that the operating solenoid works when the key is turned or alternatively it can be connected to a separate push button.
An optional thermostat designed for mounting in the engine compartment is available, its function being to conserve the fluid by cutting out the solenoid whenever the ambient temperature rises above 0°C (32°F).
Start Pilot of Burmester Road, London SW17 offers two versions of the new unit: the 350AD gives measured shots while the 350SD is a by-pass type in which the fluid passes straight through the unit to the spray nozzle for as long as the solenoid valve is operated.