100 Series » How to start the engine

Several factors affect engine start, for example:

The power of the batteries
The performance of the starter motor
The viscosity of the lubricating oil
The installation of a cold start system

Diesel engines need a cold starting aid if they are to start in very cold conditions. Normally, your vehicle or your machine will be fitted with the correct equipment for your region of operation.

Perkins engines can be equipped with various cold starting systems. For the 1000 Series engines these systems are:

Fuelled starting aid

An electrically operated device which ignites a specific amount of diesel fuel in the induction manifold in order to heat the induction air.

Port heaters

These electrical devices are fitted in the induction manifold and heat the induction air. They are operated automatically when the starter motor is engaged. When these devices are fitted, the start procedure for a cold engine is the same as that given for a cold engine start without starting aids.

Start Pilot

A hand pump is used to inject a cold start fluid into the induction manifold through an atomiser. The cold start fluid ignites at a lower temperature than diesel fuel. The cold start fluid is contained in a separate reservoir. Certain models use a push button to actuate a solenoid which releases the cold start fluid from an aerosol container.

KBi

This system uses an aerosol container filled with a cold start fluid. The fluid is released by a solenoid, which is operated by a push button. The cold start fluid is sprayed into the induction manifold through a nozzle. The cold start fluid ignites at a lower temperature than diesel fuel.

Caution: If the engine is to be run after a period in Storage

How to start a warm engine

If the engine is equipped with a manual stop control, ensure that it is in the "run" position.
Adjust the engine speed control to the quarter open position.
Turn the start key to the "HS" or "S" position (A) or (B) to engage the starter motor.
Allow the start key to return to the "R" position, as soon as the engine starts.

Always ensure that the engine and starter motor are stationary before the starter motor is engaged again.

How to start a cold engine without starting aids

If the engine is equipped with a manual stop control, ensure that it is in the "run" position.
Adjust the engine speed control to the maximum speed position.
Turn the start key to the "S" position (B) to engage the starter motor. Allow the key to return to the "R" position, when the engine starts. Then adjust the engine speed control to get an even idle speed.
If the engine does not start in 30 seconds, allow the start key to the "R" position for another 30 seconds.

Then engage the starter motor again for a maximum period of 30 seconds.

How to start a cold engine with the fuelled starting aid

Caution: Ether type fuels must not be used at the same time as a fuelled starting aid.

If the engine is equipped with a manual stop control, ensure that it is in the "run" position.
Turn the start key to the "H" position (A) and keep it there for 15 seconds.
Adjust the engine speed control to the maximum speed position.
Turn the start key to the "HS" position in order to engage the starter motor. Allow the start key to return to the "R" position, when the engine starts. Then adjust the engine speed control to give an even idle speed.
If the engine does not start in 15 seconds, turn the start key to the "H" position and hold it there for 10 seconds. Then engage the starter motor again.

How to start a cold engine with manually operated

Start Pilot

Caution: Start Pilot equipment must not be used with heater type starting aids such as the fuelled starting aid.

Do not use the hand pump until the starter motor is engaged. The amount of fluid which is necessary for an engine start will be found by experience.

If necessary, fill the reservoir with fluid. Lift the cover of the reservoir and press the can, head down, onto the filler plug. Hold it squarely until the fluid fills the bowl to the maximum mark.
If the engine is equipped with a manual stop control, ensure that it is in the "run" position.
Adjust the engine speed control to the maximum speed position.
Turn the start key to the "S" position (page 14/B) in order to engage the starter motor. Hold the start key in this position for a maximum of 30 seconds and operate the hand pump during this period. When the engine starts, release the start key to the "R" position and adjust the engine speed control to get an even idle speed.
If the engine does not start in 30 seconds, allow the start key to return to the "R" position for another 30 seconds. Then engage the starter motor and operate the hand pump again.

In certain conditions, it is necessary to inject a little more fluid after the engine has started in order to ensure that the engine continues to run.

The air filter at the outer end of the pump must be inspected from time to time. If necessary, it must be washed in kerosene.

The inside surface of the cylinder can be lightly lubricated with a thin lubricating oil.

The nozzle can be removed from the induction manifold and washed in kerosene, if necessary. Use the direction mark on the nozzle body to ensure that the nozzle is fitted in its original position. How to start a cold engine with KBi or electrically operated Start Pilot.

Caution: KBi equipment must not be used with heater type cold starting aids such as the fuelled starting aid.

If necessary, renew the screw type canister. Ensure that the sealing washer remains in position when the new canister is fitted. Each container has a safety valve.
If the engine is equipped with a manual stop control, ensure that it is in the "run" position.
Adjust the engine speed control to the maximum speed position.
Turn the start key to the "S" position (page 14/B) in order to engage the starter motor.
When the engine turns, press the starting aid button for a maximum period of 2 seconds. If the engine does not start after the first 2 second application, keep the starter motor engaged. After 5 seconds, press the button again for 2 seconds.
Allow the start switch to return to the "R" position, when the engine starts. Then adjust the engine speed control to get an even idle speed. In certain conditions it is necessary to inject a little more fluid after the engine has started, in order to ensure that the engine continues to run.