Starting Air Overlap

Period during which starting air is admitted into two

cylinders at the same time, to ensure prompt starting
from any position.
 Overlap is normally 15O to 25O
 Overlap depends on
type of engine – 2 stroke or 4 stroke
number of cylinders
time of opening of v/v – earlier opening, greater overlap
exhaust v/v opening timing
 Starting Angle
The starting angle and the period of starting air opening is
governed by three main factors:
 Firing interval of the engine
 Opening of starting air valve
Starting air v/v should open after firing dead centre to give positive
turning moment in the correct direction.
Some v/vs are arranged to open even 10 O before TDC
 Closing of starting air valve
Starting air valve must close before exhausting commences

Period of starting air opening = Overlap + Firing interval

Effect of Engine Type on Overlap
2-stroke engines have closer firing angle and are easier to start
as compared to 4-stroke engine with same number of cyl.

2-stroke 6 cylinder engine

Period of starting air admittance = 360/6 + 25 = 85O

4-stroke 6 cylinder engine

Period of starting air admittance = 720/6 + 25 = 145O

For highly turbocharged engine with early exhaust valve opening

(75O before BDC), achieving overlap is problem
No of Cyl & its effect on Overlap
 More the number of cylinders, smaller will be the firing
crank angle
 Will result in easy starting
 Greater overlap ( 25O )

 Shorter will be period of starting air supply to individual

cylinder
 Air can be supplied during the most effective part of
stroke for greater turning moment
Effect of Exh Timing on Overlap
 Exhaust timing put a limit on valve overlap

 Starting air supply is cut off 10O before exhaust

valve opens
 In highly supercharged engines exh v/v opens at
75O before BDC as compared to 40O
 Results in small overlap & shorter starting air
period