Rockwell Commander 112 - GROUND OPERATION OF ENGINE

SECTION II
SERVICING
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
ROCKWELL
COMMANDER
112/B/TC/TCA
AND INSPECTION
GROUND OPERATION OF ENGINE
Perform all engine ground operations with cowling
fastened, mixture control in full RICH position, pro-
peller control in HIgh RPM position and cowl flaps
open.
Do not allow cylinder head and oil
temperatures to exceed maximum
limits.
EXTERIOR PRESTART CHECK
The following check list may be used for the exterior
prestart check. Aircraft should be headed into the
wind and wheel chocks in place.
a. A fire extinguisher must be readily available in
the event of an engine fire.
b. Check oil level (8 quart capacity). Assure en-
gine crankcase has been serviced with correct grade
and weight of oil (see Detailed Engine Specifications,
Section IV).
c. Clear area of personnel.
d. If engine has been inoperative for several hours,
pull propeller through several revolutions by hand.
I WARNING I
Ignition switch must be OFF when
rotating propeller by hand.
COCKPIT PRESTART CHECK
Following the Exterior Prestart Check and prior to
starting engine, make the following cockpit prestart
checks:
a. All switches - OFF.
b. Landing gear control switch - DOWN and
LOCKED.
c. Remove flight control lock from control wheel,
and assure controls operate freely.
d. Check circuit breakers for correct position.
e. Master battery switch - ON.
f. Landing gear safe lights - green.
g. Parking brakes - SET.
h. Check fuel quantity.
i. Trim tabs - TAKEOFF.
j. Wing flaps - FULL UP.
k. Position cowl flaps - OPEN.
1. Fuel selector valve - LEFT or RIGHT (fullest
tank).
STARTING COLD ENGINE
a. Mixture control lever - full RICH.
b. Propeller control lever - High RPM.
c. Throttle control lever - forward approximately
one-fourth inch.
d. Induction air heat control - OFF.
e . Master battery switch - ON.
Alternator side of switch to OFF if external
power is used, otherwise place alternator
switch to ALT (on).
f. Check battery voltage, voltage should be 11 to
12 volts.
g. Auxiliary fuel pump switch - FUEL PUMP
momentarily, then OFF.
I WARNING I
Propeller area must be clear of person-
nel, work benches and equipment prior
to engaging starter.
h. Ignition switch - START and then to BOTH
when engine starts.
i.
NOT.
Cranking should be limited to 30
sec onds and several minutes allowed
between cranking periods to permit
the starter to cool.
Throttle - desired IDLE speed.
NOT.
If engine fails to start and flooding
is suspected.
1. Auxiliary fuel pump switch - OFF.
2. Mixture control - LEAN cutoff.
3. Throttle control - FULL power.
4. Ignition switch - START.
5. When engine is cleared of excess
fuel and cylinders begin to fire,
place mixture control full forward
(RICH) and auxiliary fuel pump
switch to FUEL PUMP momentarily
then OFF.
6. Release ignition switch when engine
starts.
7. Throttle control - as required.
j. Check oil pressure gage for an indication of oil
pressure. If oil pressure is not indicated within 30
seconds after engine starts, stop engine and deter-
mine cause.
k. After engine has started, disconnect external
power if used and place alternator master switch to
ALT (on).
NOT.
The battery switch should be left 0 N
until the alternator is turned on and
stabilized.
2-5
Copyright Commander Owners Group 2013 All Rights Reserved
**unofficial copy**