I was curious as to what techniques are used to start an EC-2 equipped rotary in very cold (below 32* F) weather.    

 

I know some use the EC-2’s Program Button to prime the engine, pressing as many as 20 times before attempting to start the engine.  I’m curious if this is something that’s always done, or only when very cold.  How do you know how many times to hit the primer button?  Trial and error?    

 

Here’s the technique I typically use for my 20B with 550cc injectors (but haven’t tried it in really cold weather): 

 

1)       Turn On Main & Aux. Battery contactors, fuel pumps, EC-2, injectors and coils,

2)       turn “Cold Start” ON,

3)       Turn mixture knob full rich,

4)       Hit starter until engine fires,

5)       Within 3-5 seconds, turn off “Cold Start” (leave mixture knob full rich)

6)       As engine warms, slowly bring mixture knob to 12 o’clock position. 

 

This seems to give the most repeatable starts (for me), and I’m afraid to tinker with success.  However, if there is truly a better starting procedure, I’m open to suggestions.

 

Mark S.