Starter applications vary widely, and we believe that each customer requires different
product combinations and different levels of service and support. We are happy to answer
any queries or questions you have in person or over e-mail.
StrongStarter Spring starters are very versatile and can theoretically be used on a variety
of equipment, so anything that uses a diesel engine could be fitted with a spring starter:
boats, tractors, pumps, generator sets, compressors, construction equipment, mining
equipment, hydraulic pump units - the list is endless. StrongStarter spring starters can start
engines from 0.5L to 14L or more, upto 550HP with turbocharger.
For expert advice and support to fit a Strong Starter spring starter, please Send Us An
Email or Fill Out Our Inquiry Form.
Below are answers to the some of the most frequently asked questions:
Who uses Spring starters?
We supply and support spring starters and ancillary equipment to a variety of industries
such as Agriculture & Irrigation, Construction, Marine - (Leisure & Commercial), Mining,
Military, Hazardous industries such as oil & Gas, and Power Generation. Basically anyone
who needs to start a diesel engine may need to use a spring starter. Spring starters are
especially useful in environments requiring sparkproof engine starting as well as remote
locations.
What sort of equipment can gain from spring starters?
Any equipment run by a diesel engine where easy hand starting might be preferred or
necessary. Hand starting does not fail where a battery may go flat and an alternator fail.
Spring starters would be ideal for a generator that stands idle for long periods, a pump
where the electrical system suffers from moisture, or on construction equipment where
batteries may get stolen. Spring starters are also very suitable as backup auxiliary starters
in marine applications where an electric starter failure would mean being marooned on an
ocean or expensive towing to a port.
Currently StrongStarter spring starters can be used on any direct injection diesel engine
between 0.5 and 14 Litres with 8 cylinders (upto 550HP with turbocharger), with sufficient
space to accommodate the starter. We are constantly increasing the range of applications
that our starters can be used on.
StrongStarter spring starters can also be used on indirect injection diesel engines of a
smaller capacity, especially as a backup starter where heater plugs can be used for a
starting aid.
How does a spring starter work?
Spring starters are based on the concept of storing enough energy in a powerful spring to
start an engine. Spring starters are manually operated, requiring someone to hand-wind a
starter (no electricity/batteries or air compression required). In a cord-pull spring starter,
the cord is pulled smoothly and steadily for winding up the spring. After 10-12 pulls, when
the spring has enough energy to start the engine, the starter automatically trips the
engine. Strong Starter Spring starters can be wound and tripped to start an engine within a
minute, compared to 15+ minutes for other mechanical starters based on air compression.
How safe are spring starters?
Spring starting is safe. Ordinary hand cranks can lead to injuries, even with modern 'safety'
handles. StrongStarter spring starting is a completely safe way of hand starting your
engine. With StrongStarter spring starters the winding is separated from the starting action
- handles will not spin round at a rate of knots to injure you, and the cord-pull is distinctly
non-threatening!
Can I get rid of my electric starting equipment?
Most diesel engines will start without power from an electric circuit, so in theory you could
get rid of your electrics, although some diesel engine have an electric fuel cut out and
need power to start, so therefore a small battery may be needed initially.
Do I need to make any modifications to fit a spring starter?
StrongStarter spring starters are designed to bolt straight on to your engine with little or no
modification. Engines have many different builds and the fitting must be checked properly
prior to use. Please do not hesitate to contact us for friendly advice regarding applications.
Is there a maintenance program for a spring starter?
Unlike battery starting systems, you can leave your spring starter unused for long periods
of time without any adverse effect, this is one of the great benefits for this type of starter as
a back up unit. We have some recommendations for long-term storage designed to
maintain reliability, but other than that spring starters are maintenance free.
Why do spring and electric starters have a different number of teeth?
The body of a spring starter can be larger than an electric starter, so to make it fit on the
engine it needs to be slightly further away from the flywheel. This means a slightly larger
pinion is used, which in turn means more teeth. The spring starter also provides greater
torque output, which needs to be compensated for when replacing an electric starter with a
spring starter.
What is an offset?
Many electric starters have pinions running concentrically with the body of the starter. As
there is a difference in size, spring starters sometimes need to have the shaft, and
therefore the pinion, 'offset' from the mounting flange to gain clearance from the engine.
Whilst this has no effect on the starting capacity, it does create another dimension for
correct fitting.
What happens to a spring starter at low temperatures
Diesel fuel has to be heated up to 600 degrees Centigrade before the engine can be
started. The spring starter itself is not affected too much by the cold, but the engine cannot
handle it and that includes the lubricants too. As with other starting systems, you may need
to use proprietary starting aids and special lubricants at lower temperatures.
If the StrongStarter spring starter is used as a backup starter on a boat, then same method
being used for the primary starter (i.e. thermal glow plug, sump heater etc) can be used for
the StrongStarter spring starter too. The battery may have enough power for the starting
aids. If the StrongStarter spring starter is used as a primary starter then use a reputable
ether assisted starting aid.
How many revolutions of the flywheel will I get with the StrongStarter Starter?
As a rule of thumb, a 6+Liter multi-cylinder engine will turn through 1.5 to 2.5 revolutions.
Smaller engines can turn between 5 to 8 revolutions.
Can an engine start with so few revolutions?
For a small engine, the StrongStarter spring starter rotates the engine through almost the
same number of revolutions as an average electric starter (i.e. ~3 seconds), but at a much
higher speed (~ 3 times as fast as a conventional electric starter). On larger engines our
spring starters rotate the engine ~ 2 times as fast as an electric starter. This fast action
allows much less time for the heat to dissipate through the cylinder walls during a
compression stroke, thus the engine cylinder rapidly reaches ignition point.
Can the StrongStarter spring starters replace non electric starters, such as
hydraulic or air starting systems?
Yes, StrongStarter spring starters can replace hydraulic or air starters, saving money and
space, as long as the engine capacity is within the limits supported by the StrongStarter
spring starter's capability.
Can your starters support the various mounting flanges and pinions currently
used by electric starters?
Yes, the StrongStarter spring starter range covers all the SAE mounting flange
configurations and various module and fellow stub pinions currently used by electric
starters.
How can I energize an alternator, as the StrongStarter spring starters require no
battery?
This is a problem faced by all non-electric starting systems. Alternators require very little
current and the easiest solution is to use a small battery to excite the alternator.
How long can the StrongStarter spring starters be left fully charged?
For up to one year there should be no noticeable energy loss. The starter should not be
left charged up where it is used as a secondary standby system.
What happens if the StrongStarter spring starter is submerged/flooded under
water?
There should be no detrimental effect due to flooding for a short period of time. The starter
should be tested again before field usage to ensure no damage has been done
For additional information about our products, please choose a product below:
|
|
