PT6 Ignition System

[Spoiler Mixer]

Can anyone confirm if the PT-6 engine is fitted with Glow Plugs as part of the ignition system?

If so, how are these operated etc.

Thanks in advance

[jetfueldrinker]

Only ever worked on a PT6 once in my career, but seem to remember that either one plug was as you describe, a glow plug, or that one plug was continuous ignition. Either way, it was used during turbulance, or during landing to prevent flame put. Hope that this is of some help.

JFD

[Jedi Knight]

From what I can remember the PT6 fitted to the DHC6 had glow plugs,can't remember what model PT6 that is.Most other installations use the discharge igniter.

[Spoiler Mixer]

Thanks Jedi Knight...Were the glow plugs the primary ignition source?

[Kanga767]

Early model Twin otters with the -20 PT6 had/have glow plugs, the later -27 and all other PT6's have 'proper' ignition

[Oleo]

Worked on -27s with both...it's just a mod..glow plugs originally but ignitors were modded in at some stage..either work fine. However only typically got 300/400 hrs out of the glow plugs.

Used to have two spares and a spanner (and the AMM procedure) sealed in a plastic bag in the cockpit...for the pilots to change if they got to a strip and couldn't get a start.

[JD]

Worked on dash 36 & 65 [B-99, 1900]. Both have dual igniters . I would tiewrap the c/b's when working on ign.!!!!!

[Kanga767]

JD - I've done a little work on the 99 and 1900, not much but. Do you mean dual ignition is like one cracker and one glow plug?? Boy! what a nightmare!!

[Kanga767]

....while we're at it, has anyone ever seen a Fairchild Merlin with PT6's? or is it just a misprint in the manual???

[JD]

The B-99,1900 has dual "crackers" & i think the Fairchild had Garrett "Grenades" I remember as a young pup doing a compressor wash on a B-1900 i was sitting in the cockpit operating the starter & the inspector would hide under the a/c & snap the metal paper holder on a clipboard. It scared the hell out of me! The starter switch had 3 positions, off, starter only & start ign. Of course I had the s/w in starter only ,but he sure got me!