STARTING AIR VALVE IS FITTED ON THE CYLINDER HEAD OF EVERY UNIT TO ALLOW STARTING AIR TO ENTER THE CYLINDER WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED. IT IS OPERATED WHEN THE DISTRIBUTOR SENDS OPERATING AIR AT THE TOP OF THIS VALVE ACCORDING TO THE FIRING ORDER.HENCE, IT IS CLOSED IN NORMAL POSITION. BUT WHAT IF THIS VALVE IS LEAKING?
A LEAKY STARTING AIR VALVE IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF STARTING AIR LINE FIRE AND HENCE IT’S DETECTION IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE. BUT THE PROBLEM IS TO FIND OUT WHICH ONE OF THE STARTING AIR VALVE IS ACTUALLY LEAKING.
TO FIND THAT OUT, FOLLOWING STEPS ARE TAKEN:-
- THE ENGINE SHOULD BE STOPPED.
- PROPELLER CLEARANCE TO TAKEN.
- DISTRIBUTOR PILOT AIR TO ALL THE CYLINDER BE CUT OUT.
- OPEN THE INDICATOR COCK.
- GIVE A START KICK TO ENGINE.
- NOTE THE UNIT FROM WHICH THE AIR COMES OUT. THAT STARTING AIR VALVE IS LEAKING.