Forester Network article: "Ingersoll Rand Introduces ST150 Turbine Air Starter with 47 Horsepower Aluminum Motor for Mid-Range Engines" ~ dated: September 1, 2016
 
All current production of the 150T "F" Series turbine air starters have been discontinued*. See the Forester Network article above about the NEW Ingersoll Rand (IR) ST150 turbine air starter. The 150T "F" series starters are being replaced with the ST150 series starters. We offer the following for 150T "F" series models only:

• Replacement Parts for the 150T "F" Series turbine air starters at this moment can still be found. This all depends on our vendors stock on hand and status of availability can change with or without notice.
• Tune-Up Kits (or Repair Kits) are still available for the 150T "F" Series turbine air starters.
• Depending on vendors stock we are still able to get certain starter models, please call or email our Sales Department at: 661-450-8277, sales@airstartersplus.com

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Ingersoll Rands press release: "Ingersoll Rand Introduces Versatile Small Engine Air Starters" ~ dated: Aug 26, 2012
 
All current production of the 3BM, 5BM, and SS175 series vane air starters have been discontinued. Ingersoll Rand (IR) posted a press release on their website (see link above), we later confirmed the changes by talking with two of our vendors. The 3BM, 5BM, and SS175 series starters are being replaced with the SS100 series starters. We offer the following for 3BM, 5BM, and SS175 series models only:

• Replacement Parts for the 3BM, 5BM, and SS175 series vane air starters at this moment can still be found. This all depends on our vendors stock on hand and status of availability can change with or without notice.
• Tune-Up Kits (or Repair Kits) are still available for the SS175 series of starters, please contact us for 3BM and 5BM series of starters.
• Depending on vendors stock we are still able to get certain starter models, please call or email our Sales Department at: 661-450-8277, sales@airstartersplus.com.

One air starter fits engines of all brands and sizes up to 10 liters! With a versatile, easy-to-install design and a durable lube-free motor . The SS100 provides the flexibility, reliability and efficiency you need to start things right. ​(Video and text created by Ingersoll Rand MRO)

​Compared to gasoline or diesel engines, a very high compression ratio is required to create ignition of the fuel without spark plugs. An electric starter powerful enough to turn a large diesel engine would be too large to be practical.

Compressed air is an alternative system for starting engines. Compressed air is injected to alternate cylinders, forcing it downward, activating the engine. Air-start valves activate the next cylinder and the rotation continues. Fuel is injected into the cylinders as normal and the air is cut off. Large engines will "blow over" to clear any condensation and check engine functionality.

​Finally, the fuel system is engaged over the momentum and the engine runs. Air-start systems are more complex because of additional cylinder heads and extra valves on each cylinder, plus the analog and electrical control systems. This added complexity and costs limit the use of air-starters to very large and expensive reciprocating engines.