RUSTON DIESEL 20RK270 OEM Air Starter Replacement /Upgrade

Ingersoll Rand air starters for the Ruston 20RK270. The Ruston 20RK270 is a 20-cylinder diesel engine of 349.2 liters (21,309.2 cu in). Our Air Starter Model Finder, built from Ingersoll Rand application data, recommends 2 x ST1060CP03R25, an ST1000 series turbine starter, working together, on an SAE No. 3 flange with a right-hand pinion (11 teeth, 6/8 pitch).

Recommended Starters for the Ruston 20RK270

Why These Starters Fit

Ingersoll Rand rates one ST1060CP03R25 for diesel engines up to 320 L. At 349.2 L, the 20RK270 gets 2 starters cranking together, which is how large engines are commonly started.

You can choose between turbine and vane designs. The ST1060CP03R25 turbine starter delivers up to 70 hp (52 kW) at 150 psi, uses 1290 scfm (609 L/s) at maximum power and runs on 30-150 psi. By comparison, the SS815GB03R31 vane starter delivers up to 75 hp (56 kW) at 150 psi, uses 1700 scfm (802 L/s) at maximum power and runs on 90-150 psi.

Flange, Rotation and Pinion

Flange: SAE No. 3. Rotation: right-hand. Pinion: code 25, 11 teeth, 6/8 pitch, 20° pressure angle.

Engine builders change flywheel housings, ring gears and rotation between applications and serial ranges, so match the flange, rotation and pinion on your existing starter's nameplate before you order.

Air Supply

The ST1060CP03R25 runs on 30-150 psi and uses 1290 scfm (609 L/s) at maximum power. It is rated for compressed air or natural gas. The Model Finder pairs it with the ST1000-267-24 inlet strainer, which keeps scale and debris out of the motor.

Other Ruston Engines of Similar Size

• Ruston 6RK270 (104.8 L): ST2060B03R31
• Ruston 8RK270 (139.7 L): ST2060B03R31
• Ruston 12RK270 (209.5 L): ST1060CP03R25
• Ruston 16RK270 (279.4 L): ST1060CP03R25

Ruston 20RK270 Air Starter FAQ

What air starter fits the Ruston 20RK270?

The Model Finder recommends 2 x ST1060CP03R25. Alternatives are ST950CP03R31, SS815GB03R31. Confirm the flange, rotation and pinion against your current starter before ordering.

Why does the recommendation list more than one starter?

On engines this large, the starting torque needed is above what one starter of this size delivers, so 2 starters are mounted on the flywheel housing and engage together. Your engine's flywheel housing must have a mounting pad for each one.

Can the ST1060CP03R25 run on natural gas?

Yes. Ingersoll Rand rates the ST1060CP03R25 for compressed air or natural gas. On gas, pipe the exhaust away to a safe location.

Can I replace an electric starter on the 20RK270 with an air starter?

Air starters mount on standard SAE flanges, so they are often used in place of electric starters where batteries, sparks or cold starts are a concern. See air vs. electric starters, and call us with your engine serial number so we can confirm the flange, pinion and air supply.

How do I confirm the right starter?

Send us the full model number from your existing starter's nameplate, or the engine make, model and serial number. Engine builders change ring gears and flywheel housings between serial ranges, so we confirm fit before quoting.

Need a Starter for Your 20RK270?

AirStartersDirect.com is a factory-authorized Ingersoll Rand distributor operated by Zampini Industrial Group, which has supplied engine starting equipment since 1987. Call 1-800-353-4676 or request a quote with your engine make, model and serial number.

Sources: AirStartersDirect Air Starter Model Finder (Ingersoll Rand application data) and the Ingersoll Rand Engine Starting Systems catalog.