The Magnetos are electromagnets that are spun by the engine. They create the charge that goes to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel and air in the engine. You set the selector to "both" because there are two magnetos that power one spark plug per cylinder, that means that if you lose one the other will still work and your engine will still run. The reason why aircraft use magnetos to power their spark plugs rather then the battery (like in a car) is because the magnetos (which are spun by the engine) will continue to provide power even if the aircraft has a complete electrical failure. Normally during your run-up checklist you would set the selector to right then left and look at the rpm indicator to check that both magnetos are functioning properly and independently.
The only thing I would really want to add to this is that for most takeoff conditions you want the air source lever set forward to Ram Air instead of the Unrammed Filtered Air setting.
Actually, you shouldn`t put the magnetos on "Both" for a cold start-up. The reason is that the cylinders aren`t lubricated. The Oil pump only runs when the prop spins. What you should do is put the magnetos to "Off". Primer 4-6 seconds, which you did. Fuel boost on, after that comes the important part. Engage the starter, count six propeller blades and after counting six blades, turn the magnetos to both. This way you give the engine a chance to lubricate the cylinders prior to ignition. Because, in a real P-51, this could actually lead to a piston seizure. If you`re worried about counting the blades of a spinning prop, don`t worry. It turns extremely slow with the ingnition off. Also, don`t forget to cover the starter and turn off the fuel boost pump after start-up. Keep an eye on the oil pressure aswell. Sometimes it rockets upwards. If that was the case, set the RPM to around 700-1000 and turn on the oil dilute. Let it sit until the pressure is well within the green. After that you can start taxi. Hope that helps a bit.
You are thinking of radials....a v12 will not lock a piston, a radial can hydrolock the lower piston/pistons due to oil ingress hence you hand turn the engine first. The Merlin is normally spun over without ignition on to pre lube the valve gear at the top of the engine, the pistons will get lubricated as soon as the engine starts with oil squirters under the pistons to cool/lube them.
But also the to lube the cylinders and pistons. If the engine is cold, and you start directly, there is a risk that it will seize up due to metal on metal friction. Yes, true. That`s the worst case scenario. But there is a reason why the start with the magnetos off. The Oil pump only runs when the prop spins.
I like how in the mustang everything is nice and simple. Really nicely engineered plane.
That's mid 20th century American engineering for ya
The Magnetos are electromagnets that are spun by the engine. They create the charge that goes to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel and air in the engine. You set the selector to "both" because there are two magnetos that power one spark plug per cylinder, that means that if you lose one the other will still work and your engine will still run. The reason why aircraft use magnetos to power their spark plugs rather then the battery (like in a car) is because the magnetos (which are spun by the engine) will continue to provide power even if the aircraft has a complete electrical failure. Normally during your run-up checklist you would set the selector to right then left and look at the rpm indicator to check that both magnetos are functioning properly and independently.
Roger noted
The only thing I would really want to add to this is that for most takeoff conditions you want the air source lever set forward to Ram Air instead of the Unrammed Filtered Air setting.
I now know how to start my engine before take oorf!
With the free Mustang this is a small step in the directio to the hornet
one dozen likes! you‘re wellcome
Good job
Actually, you shouldn`t put the magnetos on "Both" for a cold start-up. The reason is that the cylinders aren`t lubricated. The Oil pump only runs when the prop spins. What you should do is put the magnetos to "Off". Primer 4-6 seconds, which you did. Fuel boost on, after that comes the important part. Engage the starter, count six propeller blades and after counting six blades, turn the magnetos to both. This way you give the engine a chance to lubricate the cylinders prior to ignition. Because, in a real P-51, this could actually lead to a piston seizure. If you`re worried about counting the blades of a spinning prop, don`t worry. It turns extremely slow with the ingnition off.
Also, don`t forget to cover the starter and turn off the fuel boost pump after start-up. Keep an eye on the oil pressure aswell. Sometimes it rockets upwards. If that was the case, set the RPM to around 700-1000 and turn on the oil dilute. Let it sit until the pressure is well within the green. After that you can start taxi.
Hope that helps a bit.
Thanks Black! Need to re-visit this plane!
@@grimreapers No worries. If you got any questions regarding the Mustang, feel free to ask. I`m glad if I can help folks out with her.
You are thinking of radials....a v12 will not lock a piston, a radial can hydrolock the lower piston/pistons due to oil ingress hence you hand turn the engine first. The Merlin is normally spun over without ignition on to pre lube the valve gear at the top of the engine, the pistons will get lubricated as soon as the engine starts with oil squirters under the pistons to cool/lube them.
But also the to lube the cylinders and pistons. If the engine is cold, and you start directly, there is a risk that it will seize up due to metal on metal friction. Yes, true. That`s the worst case scenario. But there is a reason why the start with the magnetos off. The Oil pump only runs when the prop spins.
Snidely Whiplash coaches Cap on P51 procedures
A tutorial via a game of telephone...
First! And for Mustang video too!
Good job
Interesting
why not just let the guy that knows wtf he is doing do the video?
For those interested. Here is the cockpit start up of a real P-51D. ua-cam.com/video/iompxanAQgQ/v-deo.html
Oooo nice