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I have the latest versions of the B377 (v2) and Cots (1.1) installed. The problem I am having is that sometimes I can start the engines and sometimes I can't. The temperature has been in the -5 to 5 degree C range most of the time when I'm trying to start a flight. I've read other posts about cold weather ops, but I wouldn't think that these temps are low enough to fall in that category.

I follow the checklist/procedures from the manual as close to the letter as I can. I've also tried variations (e.g., various cowl flap settings, mixture full rich, throttles more than an inch, etc), but I don't see any difference. When an engine fails to start, I've never been able to get them started regardless of what I try. When I check the maintenance report, the engine condition is reported as excellent. After attempting to start them for awhile the condition will drop to Good. I also will delete the files in My Documents\A2A and service the engines on almost every flight attempt, but the results are the same. Sometimes they start and sometimes they don't. Sometimes I'll get 1 or 2 engines started but the others won't.

I really like this aircraft sim and have had a couple of successful flights. However, most of the time I end up shutting FSX down feeling discouraged because I had my flight planning done, pre-start checklists done, passengers loaded, fuel loaded, clearances, push-back .. only to spend a long time trying unsuccessfully to fire up the engines. It's very frustrating when you spend over half an hour preparing for a flight only to have it end this way over and over.

Anyway, I sure hope there's just something I'm overlooking here. I've tried all I can think of based on the manual and on reading other posts. As much as I dislike having to do so, I must ask for help. Thanks in advance!

Confirm that the fuel boosters are on and the fuel is set to engine/manifold, start the motor with the mags off. Roughly 8 seconds later, flip the mags on and then hit booster. I've had no problems using that method.

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By "and hit booster", do you mean turn booster pump off?

The button labed booster beside the start button. It's been a while since I've read the technicals, but if I recall, the booster button applies more "juice" to the spark plugs. It's the three buttons overhead in the engineer's panel. IIRC, it's Primer, Starter, Booster.

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It might help a bit to have the engineer auto start the engines and watch what he does.

Look up the start procedure on youtube. It's where I learned!

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Ok, I follow you. This procedure is very different from the documented procedure. Is this true for real world as well?



I'll do that. Thanks.

Ok, I may give that a try, but I would assume he'll follow the procedure in the manual?? Out of curiosity, do you use a procedure that's at all like what wdhurley is suggesting?

The procedure I use is just a dumbed down version of the official procedure. Officially, you are supposed to count a certain amount of blade turns, but if you're in the engineer's seat, I can't figure out how you are supposed to count them. So I use 8 seconds.

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Ok, I misinterpreted what you said earlier. I thought you actually started the engines with the mags off and then turned mags on. I didn't think that was possible, but...

Anyway..your procedure is what I do for the most part.

Here are the applicable steps from memory.

1. APU On
2. Cowl Flaps Fully opened
3. Fuel selectors on TANK TO ENG
4. Fuel booster pumps On
5. Crack throttles 1"
6. Prop Synch full forward
7. Turboboost to 0
8. Mixture set to autorich
9. Set Engine selector
10. Prime 6 times (for cold weather)
11. Press Start for 5-8 seconds
12. Mag Set to Both
13. Press Boost until engine starts

Am I missing something?

no, that sounds right. You will engage the starter with the mags off. after 5-8 seconds, you roll the mag selector to both and at the same time hold the booster button. Keep holding the booster until the engine fires. Should work out. If not, reprime and try again.

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Yep, that's what I've been trying over and over. Sometimes it works, other times it does not. This morning engines 3 and 4 started fine, but 1 and 2 would not start.

I'm going to take the plane south to warmer climates and see how that goes. I suspect the engines will start fine.

If you want to jump in a multiplayer session tonight, I will be home around 20:00 Est. We will see what we can do to get the old bird in the air.

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This morning I loaded up like normal (I select the B377 from free flight menu and go right to my departure airport) but pressed the Cold Start option in the pop-up menu. All engines started on the first try. Temperature was 1 degree C. I'll keep trying that and report back.

Realized similar proplems since month at accu B17 and 377 COTS, but vice versa. If i load my C172 cold and dark condition "default flight" and change to one of both or directly load one heavy metal direct for default doesn´t matter -> in most cases i get the engines fire up.

If i press "Cold start", engines are most time unable to get them fireing. Starters turn, but no chance.

This has nothing to do with wrong startup proccedures or environmental influences and temperatures, it seems something hangs up caused by software. Never have this issue with single engine accusims . Was Flying the Spit 100hrs, P47 200hrs and P40 70hrs.

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