How to start a Yak-52 M14PF engine

I got Cliff to explain how to officially, by the book, start the M14 engine. Initially the start was verbally told to me by who sold me the plane. Works just fine. There are different ways to start, to prime, and to turn on magneto during or before rotation. Cliff turns it on before rotation. I do it after. I also don't prime before pulling blades. Tell me how you do it. #yak52 #yak52tw #radialengine #m14pfengine

[@wackaircaftmechanic2312]

I have never primed my MP 14 that much. Wow.

[@Truthwarrior106]

One point I might make , is you want the engine to start with the shower of sparks with mags at Zero or off, then turn the Mags to 1+2 or "both", after the engine is running. That way you ensure the engine does not try to fire backwards which could damage the gears.

[@planefun2962]

That's how I do it. But, that's not how the book says to.

[@attiliotarabusi]

Mag off, oil drain valve open, propeller turn 6 times. Wait for drain to stop if any, oil drain valve closed. Priming to the right (fuel) a little bit. Another prop turn 6 times. Then final priming 3 to the left (system), then priming to the right (how many times depends on how cold is it) then there you go.

[@planefun2962]

That is a lot of in and out! I turn 12 blades and strap in. Might not fire on the first try, but eventually does. I'm lazy

[@tysonristau4995]

Would you ever use the starter to pull the prop through with mags off? Or can the starter bend the piston rods?

[@cwalline]

To many primes that thing is pig rich.

[@planefun2962]

How many and where in the process do you prime it?

[@cwalline]

Depends on temperature. Today in the 70s. Two and pull through two. One stroke of throttle and a little throttle. Started it with 20kgf too. 😊

[@cliffcoy9916]

It is indeed too too rich.
This was my first starting an unfamiliar engine after sitting for a loong time and a lot of heavy maintenance.
This process isn't the neat and clean each owner will establish for their aircraft.

[@Geoff-m7j]

Seems a very convoluted starting process.
It’s fairly straightforward when you become used to your engine.
Different engines can need slightly different techniques, but once the prop has been pulled through and the cylinders and intake manifold are cleared of oil the engine can be primed and from my experience generally needs a generous prime bearing in mind this is a big engine and under priming results in firing and stopping.