CH-47 Startup problems with N1 and N2
When starting my Chinook from cold & dark, I follow exactly the instructions in the Miltech CH47D Checklist. When I reach the Engine Startup section I follow these steps: Start Eng. 1 > Starter OFF when N1 over 10% > Wait for Engine (Tx) oil to reach 5 psi .
Then I follow same procedure for Eng. 2. and complete the checklist.
PROBLEM: When I switch either Engine starter from START to OFF, the N1 reading for that engine drops to zero, resulting in insufficient RPM / Torque for sustained flight.
I have watched all available videos on startup but cannot correct this problem.
Any help will be appreciated.
Regards,
Peter
Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulationsPeter,
What version of the product do you have? Please update to the latest version of V1.0.3
Also make sure all fuel pumps are on before starting the engines
Let me know if that does it for you.
- MIn reply tomichelip⬆:@michelip
Yes, I am on Version 1.0.3. By "Fuel Pumps", I assume you mean the switches on the Overhead Fuel panel. I have tried your advice (All fuel Pumps on BEFORE start - i.e. EVERY fuel switch on that panel.) Unfortunately it makes no difference. It seems that as soon as No1 Start is returned to its Mid position, N1 just drops to zero, and the same with Start Switch 2. and N2. The engines "idle" but there's no power there.
regards,Peter.
Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulationsAny chance you could share a video?
Sounds like you may be switching the starters off too soon, or missing a step; as this issue has not been reported by any other customer.
OK - I'll try and produce a small video in a few days. My video skills are basic, but I'll give it a go.
Thanks,
Peter- Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulations
Any basic video where the startup procedure is clearly visible would be enough - just need to see what may be failing.
- MIn reply tomichelip⬆:@michelip
Is the address just < miltechsimulations.com > ?
- Comment deleted
I have tried to E-mail the video, but it says " File too large to attach". The problems are getting too much, so, instead of a video I will write in detail my Startup actions step by step with a full description of what occurs. Will that help?
I'm sorry that this has been so difficult.
Peter- Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulations
Please send me an email and I will share an upload link. Writing the details would take lots of time from you and won’t be too useful
- MIn reply tomichelip⬆:@michelip
Sorry to report that uninstall and re install did not correct the problem. You have been very helpful even though we have not been able to solve the problem.
I mis-named the switch I asked about - It is the switch marked "System Sel." in the AFCS panel just just to the right of the Cyclic Trim panel. I thought it might have something to do with my problem.
Thanks for your time and efforts to help me.
Regards,
Peter- Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulations
AFCS does not affect engine startup in any way. In fact, this switch is currently INOP.
Unfortunately I'm unable to figure out what may be going on here. This is definitely an isolated issue on your end since its not replicable on any other system, and as such It'll be quite difficult tor me to figure out. However, If I come up with anything I'll make sure to reach out.
- Progress
- Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulations
Peter,
Just reviewed your video, please try the following:
- Turn on all fuel pumps, including the Aux ones.
- Keep the starter engaged until N1 has reached about 50%. You are likely cutting the starter too early.
- M@michelip
Thank you. I have followed your advice to the letter. (ALL fuel pumps on before start) . When I start an engine, ( with condition lever in GRD then to FLT after 10% N1) the N1 for that engine will not exceed 16%, no matter how long I wait. (see screen shot showing Eng. 1 five minutes after start). The same applies if I start Eng. 2. first.
Regards,
Peter - Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulations
Pete,
By any chance do you have any axis linked to Mixture?
Please try one more thing:
- create a new fully empty controller profile:
https://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/165435-how-to-create-new-controller-profiles-in-msfs/
- assign only collective and cyclic axis:
It may be the case that something on your hardware is preventing the engines to start.
No other customers have this issue so very likely has to do with some sort of configuration on your end.
- M@michelip
Since your last message I have : (a) Removed all Chinook profiles for every control device except default Keyboard and Mouse (both wireless).
(b) Unplugged all USB control devices (Throttle, Joystick, Pedals and CH Throttle Quadrant & Saitek PZ 55 switchbox). I did this to see if there is "something in my hardware preventing" the start as you suggested.
Unfortunately the same problem as described before occurs, however I have discovered that if I start the flight hot (i.e. on a runway) and then shut the engines down, and then re-start them using the published Miltech procedures, both will start normally. I don't understand this, but it may give you some clue as to what the source of the problem is.
Also, can you tell me if the systems control rotary switch is supposed to be off during a start?
Thanks,
Peter - Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulations
Peter,
Thanks for the report. This is all very strange as you're quite literally the only user with such an issue. This makes it a lot more difficult to debug as it is not replicable.
And just to confirm, have you attempted reinstalling the product?
- M@michelip
No. Do I have to un-install it first? And could you please answer my question in the last message about the systems control switch?
Thanks,
Peter - Miltech Simulations @MiltechSimulations
Yes, uninstall then reinstall the product. May he the case that one of the files is corrupted and hence the product malfunctions.
As for “systems control rotary switch”, I’m unsure what do you mean. Do you mean the AFCS Switch? If you attach a screenshot I’ll be able to assist you better.
- M@michelip
Uninstalled and re-installed Chinook. Regret that it didn't succeed in correcting the problem. The switch I erroneously referred to as "Systems Control Sw." was the System Sel. rotary switch on AFCS panel.
It looks like we have reached a dead end. If you find a solution, please advise me. Thanks for all your suggestions and time in attempting to solve this.
Best regards,
Peter
