Chris, since you mention "meshing" assume you are talking of the inertia starters (lovely sound) and your memory does not fail you. Checklist for the R-1830 with inertia starters called for,
Ignition Switches ON
Energise Starter - "START" position for 10 to 15 seconds
When starter is energised, engage the starter - "MESH" position and simultaneously actuate primer until engine is running on the primer.
NB: On this particular aircraft the props were pulled through 15 blades by hand if shutdown had been greater than 30 minutes so there was no counting blades on engaging "MESH".
Another aircraft calls for engaging "MESH", let the prop make one revolution, Ignition ON, actuate primer etc etc. Prior to start pull engine through two complete revolutions. So seems more than one method of skinning the cat was employed.
The R-1820 with Bendix type starter called for starter engage, count at least eight blades (3 blade prop), ignition ON, depress primer etc etc. At least on the checklist I have.
Last edited by Brian Abraham; 26th Mar 2010 at 05:05.