Of interest to BMPT?

Perhaps this is a good thread to share a search I have saved on my ebay, it searches in both titles and descriptions for any item with any year between 1939 and 1945 in it (as I'm into vintage cars I also have one covering all years from 1920-39 in the cars section, it can be used with any years) I'm sure others will already use this search but it might be of use to someone!:

http://motors.search-desc.ebay.co.uk/1939-1940-1941-1942-194 3-1944-1945_Boats-Watercraft_W0QQcatrefZC2QQcoactionZcompare QQcoentrypageZsearchQQcopagenumZ1QQfromZR10QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1Q QftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQftsZ2QQga10244Z10425QQsacatZ1293QQsatitleZQ 281939Q2c1940Q2c1941Q2c1942Q2c1943Q2c1944Q2c1945Q29

I have read countless times that boats were "crash started" and that damage could result. Just to show my ignorance can someone please tell me how an MTB / MGB, or any other boat is crash started and what damage might result?

Thanks in advance

Hello SR,

I am a member of the Engine room operating crew on the USS PT658 a 78 foot WW2 Higgins PT Boat located in Portland, Oregon and we have a very specific starting procedure for our 3 5m-2500 V12 Packard Marine engines. These are the same engines I believe as on most of the British MTB's and MGB's. Here is an abbreviated procedure.

1. First we do a switch and valve lineup, to check the position of the Battery Breakers and 24vdc power to the "Ignition" circuit. We also check that our gasoline supply line valves are open from the gas tank to the priming pump and then to the carburator. Then we check that the oil and water cooling lines are open, and there should be visible levels of oil in the sump tank siteglass and water in the expansion tank glass. We also check that the dust cover is removed from the air intake filter/screen on the carburator. Next check that the engine is not in gear, by shifting it to neutral.

2. Prime the gas line by pumping with the "wobble pump" (hand operated) until you see 5 psig on the carb inlet pressure gage. The Wobble pump has a bypass valve that must be in the "Closed" position while priming. After the engine is running the Bypass can be opened, since the entire flow for all 3 engines must pass through it, and the Wobble pump cannot pass that much flow through itself.

3. Check the position of the Magneto selector switch is "OFF"

4. Roll the engine without ignition to prime the oil lines. Do this by checking the Magneto selector switch is in the "OFF" position, then press the Starter button and crank the engine over until you see at least 50 psig oil pressure on the engine pressure gage. The engine will not start since there is no power to the spark plugs.

5. After achieving oil prime, take the Magneto selector switch to the "Both" position, or the "Boost" position. The engine should start. Return the Magneto to the "Both" position if you used the "Boost" or engine damage could result.

6. Monitor and adjust the Oil and Water temperature as needed.

I am not sure the Starter motor would be able to crank over the engine fast enough to start a cold engine if the engine were in gear, ie the "Crash Start" Pioneer referred to. Perhaps a warm engine would start right up, but once you had the first engine running, the drag of the propeller through the water may be enough to start the other 2 engines by placing them in gear while starting it? I do not think we will ever try that maneuver on the PT658 since it is the only surviiving US PT Boat still operating in the world. Hopefully by reading this procedure of how we start our Packards, it will give you some insight into how they did it back during WW2. Take Care. Jerry Gilmartin

PS Check out our website www.savetheptboatinc.com

Hello Jerry

Many thanks for showing us the proper way of starting a Packard. Although I am relying on a distant memory - as 'our' equipment was owned by HM Gov't - that level of 'care' would not usually be taken by 'conscript' Stoker's (who did'nt want to be there in first place!!) - a wartime scenero however could be entirely different - and I have had several instances related to me - both then and since - that Engine Room staff were seen to be almost fanatical on the care of 'their' particular charges.

I would love to hear the music of that particular sound again - but I have to rely on listening to the sound track during the credit rolls for 'The Ship that Died Of Shame'.

Seen your site - congratulations - must cost a fortune to insure.

Best Regards