the stacks. Check exhaust components for freedom  of movement; they must be secure with all exhaust  springs in place.  On liquid cooled engines, the radiator fluid level, as  well as the overflow reservoir, must be checked and  filled as necessary.  Check all visible wires and lines for security and con- dition. Prior to starting the engine it is imperative to precisely  follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendation for  engine warm-up. Follow the before engine starting  and engine starting checklist procedures in the POH.  Certain precautions apply to all powered parachutes. Do not start the engine with the back of the cart of  the powered parachute pointed toward an open hangar  door, parked automobiles, or a group of bystanders.  This is not only discourteous, but may result in per - sonal injury and damage to the property of others as  propeller blast is surprisingly powerful. Powered parachute engines are set up in a  pusher con - figuration, so it is essential to check the engine area  for loose items to ensure nothing is blown through the  propeller, possibly injuring the aircraft, observers, or  property. Carburetor(s) must be checked to make sure  they are secure; check the air filter for condition and  secure fit. Check the rubber manifolds for cracks and  check spark plugs to make sure all of the spark plug  caps are secure. On some two-stroke engines, there  is a reservoir that contains the lubricant for the ro- tary valve; check this level on every preflight. Check  gear reduction boxes for leaking seals and make sure  there is not play within the gears. Look for signs of  fuel dye which may indicate a fuel leak and deteriora- tion of fuel lines. Check for oil leaks, deterioration of  oil lines, and make certain that the oil cap, filter, oil  cooler and drain plug are secure.  Check the exhaust system for white stains caused  by exhaust leaks at the cylinder head or cracks in  As soon as the engine is operating smoothly, check  the oil pressure, if applicable. If it does not rise to the  When activating the starter, keep one hand on the  throttle. The other hand should be on the ignition in  case the engine races immediately after start and the  throttle has no effect. This allows prompt response  if the engine falters during starting, and allows you  to rapidly retard the throttle if revolutions per minute  (RPM) are excessive after starting. A low RPM set- ting is recommended immediately following engine  start. Do not allow the RPM to race immediately after  start, as there will be insufficient lubrication until the  oil pressure rises. In freezing temperatures, the engine  will also be exposed to potential mechanical distress  until it warms and normal internal operating clear- ances are assumed. First look around, and then shout “CLEAR PROP.”  Wait for a response from persons who may be nearby  before activating the starter. When ready to start the engine, look in all directions  to be sure nothing is or will be in the vicinity of the  propeller. This includes nearby persons and aircraft  that could be struck by the propeller blast or the debris  it might pick up from the ground. Turn on the anti- collision strobe prior to engine start (if so equipped),  even during daylight operations.  Figure 5-10. It is important to check the oil reservoir cap to  make sure the vent holes are open and free of debris. 5-9 Engine Starting