There may be occasions when a diesel engine must be started, operated, and secured under a variety of demanding conditions, such as emergencies and casualties in engine supporting systems. Operation under such unusual conditions requires that you know and understand the engine installation, the function of supporting systems, and the reasons for the procedures used in normal and emergency operations.

The procedures we will discuss in the following sections are basic steps of engine operation. These procedures do NOT contain every step that must be taken. Remember, circumstances and conditions concerning engine operation will vary. When you are starting or operating an engine or combating casualties in the engineering plant, use your EOSS.

STARTING PROCEDURES

Diesel engines are started either by hydraulic, electric, compressed air admission, or air-powered starting motors. The general starting procedure for all types of systems consists of (1) making pre-operational checks, (2) aligning supporting systems, and (3) cranking the engine with the starting equipment until ignition occurs and the engine is running.

The steps of the starting procedure will differ depending on whether you are starting the engine after routine securing, after a brief period of idleness, or after a long period of idleness. We will first list the basic steps you should follow for starting an engine that has been routinely secured under normal conditions.