What should be done with the throttle before starting a fuel-injected engine in a Cessna 172?

When starting a fuel-injected engine in a Cessna 172, the throttle should be positioned open to about one quarter of an inch. This slight opening helps to ensure that the engine receives adequate air and fuel mixture for a smooth start. Fuel-injected engines are designed to be sensitive to throttle position during the starting process, and having it slightly open allows the engine to draw air into the intake efficiently, which facilitates combustion during ignition.

This procedure helps to avoid flooding the engine, which can occur if the throttle is closed completely or opened too wide. Inappropriate throttle positions could lead to a difficult start or even stalling, which is why setting it to about one quarter of an inch is a standard practice. Proper throttle settings are crucial for ensuring a reliable and smooth engine start, particularly in conditions where the engine may be cold or when the aircraft has been sitting for an extended period.