Engine Start System

T-34C AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FAMILIARIZATION

CHAPTER TEN

WORKBOOK

1002. ENGINE START SYSTEM

The engine start system provides engine rotation and ignition for engine start. A two-position

manual toggle switch labeled STARTER, ON, OFF is located on the starter/ignition control

panel, right-hand subpanel in each cockpit. Placing the switch to the ON position causes

operation of the igniters and engine starter, providing air and spark. The switch must be

manually turned OFF, otherwise the generator will not energize. Electrical command is not

required to activate either cockpit starter switch. Accidental selection of ON with the generator

running will disconnect the generator and cause the MASTER CAUTION and GENERATOR

lights to illuminate. The starter is a 28-VDC, 800-amp motor, located within the same housing

as the generator, but having a separate set of electrical windings. The starter provides initial

rotation of the compressor for engine start and is normally limited to 40 seconds use. Since the

starter develops damaging heat while rotating the compressor, the starter is limited to three 40-

second attempts with a 60-second cooling off period after the first two, and a 30-minute cooling

off period after the third attempt (40 seconds ON, 60 seconds OFF, 40 seconds ON, 60 seconds

OFF, 40 seconds ON, 30 minutes OFF).

1003. LIGHTS

Warning, Caution, and Advisory Lights

The warning, caution, and advisory lights provide a visual warning of malfunctions of aircraft

equipment, unsafe operating conditions, or notice that a particular system is in operation. A test

switch provides for a check of the light bulbs in each indicator. All lights are powered by 28 VDC.

LIGHT

MEANING

INVERTER

Loss of 115 AC or

26 VAC power.

Failure of the 115 VAC,

1-amp CB with Inverter

No. 1 selected

GENERATOR

Starter Switch ON, low

voltage output or

generator failure.

L FUEL LOW

Respective wing fuel

R FUEL LOW

quantity below

approximately 90 lbs.

usable.

FUEL PRESS

Low pressure output

from engine-driven fuel

boost pump.

CHIP

Metal particles present

in oil system.

LDG LIGHT

Gear retracted with one

or both LDG lights ON.

BLEED AIR

Cockpit heating (bleed)

air overtemperature

condition exists.

IGNITION

Engine igniters

energized by starter

switch or auto-ignition.

AUTO IGN

Autoignition switch ON,

system armed.

Figure 10-1 Warning/Caution/Annunciator Lights Fault Lights

ELECTRICAL SUBSYSTEMS

10-3