Hone22:
The coking problem mentioned above, as far as I’m aware only affects the N2 turbine labyrinth seal and will not cause the starting problems you originally mentioned. I have seen the N1 get up to 30% during start without the blades turning [due to a coked turbine] before the start was aborted. Up until then, the start sequence looked normal. [A bit like leaving your tie-down on]
I have not seen a 206 with a nicad for many years, unless the helicopter was new from the factory. They were usually modified soon after delivery to use a lead acid type. . .Are the nicads a better option for the colder/temperate climates?
BTW, I think you will find the starter contactor is behind the hat bin on the RH side of the A/C. The battery and external power contactors will be in the nose. <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">
Has anybody proved/disproved the theory that if you crack the throttle during start while the N1 is
still accelerating, that it will start better? . .The original start procedure was to let the N1 peak with the starter before fuel was introduced. The argument against this was that the N1 turbine lost its acceleration momentum and needed more fuel/TOT to maintain its starting schedule.