14 replies to this topic

[d246]

Always wondered what the process of starting an F1 engine involves. Obviously the fine tolerances of the individual components will dictate a different strategy to your normal competition engine. I read somewhere that hot water is pumped round the unit prior to the lap-tops getting involved and starting the motor. Is it as clinical and complex as this?

[undersquare]

I think they heat and circulate the oil too.

[Clatter]

I think they heat and circulate the oil too.

Yes, all fluids are heated and circulated. I'm sure they said during the broadcast of the last race that this takes 4-5 hours.

[F.M.]

Yes, all fluids are heated and circulated. I'm sure they said during the broadcast of the last race that this takes 4-5 hours.

No way. If they do an engine change, they won't have to wait 4-5 hours before they can fire it up

[Clatter]

No way. If they do an engine change, they won't have to wait 4-5 hours before they can fire it up

Good point, but I'm sure that's what they said. Maybe that's in ideal conditions or perhaps I mis-heard.

It never fails to amaze me that with so much info on the internet, why is something like this so hard to find?

[BullHead]

Aren't spare engines kept pre warmed anyway?

Also the warming process can be accelerated too if necessary. AFAIK and I might be wrong engines are fitted in a "warm" status anyway.

[tad8285]

I thought it was just as simple as turning a key.

[zold]

It never fails to amaze me that with so much info on the internet, why is something like this so hard to find?

Well firstly you have to consider the average fan doesn't really care about the more complex aspects, such as this subject. then of course there are few news outlets that are specialized enough to want to cover this in-depth, and finally, the simple fact that in a competitive environment, the engine manufacturers will not want to part with certain details for the sake of print and discussion. I think it is very probable that each of the four engines in formula 1 today have noticeably different starting procedures, and if there is time to be gained then a more efficient procedure in the matter will not be shared.
but indeed, i suspect the basic details could be found on somewhere like f1technical.net

[klyster]

http://www.f1technic...c...?f=4&t=9362 some interesting reading..

Cosworth DFV:

http://www.historice.../dfv/specs.html a fun read too.

Edited by klyster, 19 June 2011 - 23:41.

[iiswills]

If your in the uk this is still available although only for another 24 hours
there's a bit in here about starting the engines
http://www.bbc.co.uk...es_3_Formula_1/

[Bloggsworth]

It's the windage that causes the delay, the bigger the gap between the pistons and the bores the more power is lost as air passes the pisons into the crank-case - The pistons are such a tight fit in the bores that it is not possible to start the engine without the engine, particularly the cylinder block, being warmed up sufficiently for there to be enough clearance for the pistons and piston-rings to run in the cylinder bores.

[Madras]

They have to take the nose cone off, then use one of these:

[Bloggsworth]

They have to take the nose cone off, then use one of these:

While remembering to keep your thumb on the same side of the handle as the palm...

[klyster]

Preheaters being used @ 7:10 onwards, not much info but worth a look, and the rest of the vid is okay too ;)

Thanks to Hattiethecat1 whoever you are.

[Tombstone]

While remembering to keep your thumb on the same side of the handle as the palm...

One should always transport one's manservant for such an ungentlemanly act as starting an automobile.