Sounds of Combustion: Engine Start Edition

Something about the sound of an engine cranking, popping, chugging, and finally roaring to life give me a chill. Old engines of a bygone era often required significant skill and talent, combined with a touch of luck, to bring them to life.




#10
Starting a radial airplane engine

All the classic sounds of an old engine are here: popping, chugging, and misses, and plenty of oil smoke!

#9
Allison V-1710 in an Opel Gt

The V-1710 powered several WWII warbirds, including the P-51 Mustang and P-38 Lightning. Here its been stuffed into an Opel Gt, the car called "The mini Corvette"

#8
Starting the Antonov AN-2 1000hp radial

Another radial, this time from inside the cockpit. Watch the procedure as the pilot takes us through startup checks and fire her off!

#7
Biggest tractor ever built lights off the mighty Detroit 16v-71

Big Bud was built in 1977 in Havre, Montana for a single purpose: Plowing fields deep and fast. Tipping the scales at 50 tons, with a 900hp 16 cylinder Detroit Diesel 16v-71, it's a sight to behold. Learn more about it here

#6
Cat D7E dozer startup

Way back before high-amp batteries and super-strong electric starters, big diesel engines were started with a pony or goat motor. Usually a small twin cylinder gas engine, sometimes two-stroke, it would turn over the larger engine and heat up the combustion chamber to get things going. Watch as the operator starts the small pony first, then fires the diesel.

#5
Cat D8 Dozer starup

Another Cat dozer, this time a WWII era D8 that saw service on the beaches of Normandy. This dozer also uses a pony motor, but its all crank-start with no electrics. Takes muscle to start this one!

#4
Scania racing truck's first spring start

Europe has sports we've never tried here in the US, but semi truck racing looks like something that could catch on. Here, a Scania V8 racing truck gets started for the first time after winter storage. It tries and tries and comes so close...
#3
Marmon V16 Hotrod Project

Jack Bowser wanted a unique car, so he built a hotrod...but not just any hotrod. watch and listen as he lights off the unique 400hp fuel injected Marmon V16 that powers his special project.

#2
P-51 Mustang startup

Another Allison V-1710, this time installed in Steve Hinton's P-51 Mustang. LOUD!

And finally, my #1 favorite engine start video...
Sherman Tank Radial Start

Sherman tanks were built with several engines during the war, including aircraft radials and an impressive 18 liter Ford V8. Here, a 480hp Continental R-975 radial comes to life, popping and stuttering while the liter of oil sitting in the lower cylinders burns off. I love it!