Narrative:

Upon initial power application for takeoff; number 2 engine failed to spool-up to takeoff power relative to number 1 engine. The airplane initially veered hard-right; throttles were immediately retarded to idle. Using a combination of nosewheel steering and symmetric idle power on both engines; the aircraft was brought under control and able to regain tracking on the runway centerline. The decision was made to abort the takeoff and exit the runway at the first available taxiway. We returned to the gate and contacted local operations and via ACARS; dispatch/maintenance. After deplaning the passengers; in consultation with the engine desk; we attempted to troubleshoot the cause of the problem. There was no company maintenance locally and we were further challenged with the available maintenance personnel being unable to speak english. After a few hours; a mechanic was located who was somewhat english-enabled. Company engine maintenance sent a troubleshooting routine to the local ops. This was an accel/deacceleration test requiring a high-powered engine run. After discussing it with the maintenance folks and the duty pilot in chicago; the decision was made for the aircrew to do the engine run. The crew; along with the mechanic; thoroughly discussed the troubleshooting routine and taxied the airplane to the approved run-up location on the airfield. The engines 'passed' the test and then the decision was made by maintenance and the crew to proceed with the mission. The passengers were reloaded in preparation for departure. However; as there was a company airplane inbound to the terminal building; I elected to wait until they deplaned their passengers in the expectation that perhaps maintenance folks were aboard. In fact; they sent 2 technicians and an inspector to assist us with our problem. After consulting with them; we decided to allow them to investigate the issue further. After a short delay; it became apparent that there was a major problem with our airplane that would not allow us to depart at that time. The passengers were unloaded again and the airplane was given to our maintenance for further inspection. They found that there was a cracked solenoid switch that controlled the anti-ice valve and a cannon plug which had significant damage. There is some question that the anti-ice valve itself was damaged. Also; a new fuel control unit was installed. I suppose further investigation will determine that. In any event; the maintenance folks remained at the airplane after the crew left to return to the hotel. The crew had been on duty---including the engine run---for over 12 hours at that time. The airplane was repaired and a successful departure was accomplished the next day.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier pilot describes a rolling delay caused by a rejected takeoff due to low power and a lack of English speaking mechanics. The company sends mechanics to correct the engine malfunction and the flight departs the next day.

Narrative: Upon initial power application for takeoff; number 2 engine failed to spool-up to takeoff power relative to number 1 engine. The airplane initially veered hard-right; throttles were immediately retarded to idle. Using a combination of nosewheel steering and symmetric idle power on both engines; the aircraft was brought under control and able to regain tracking on the runway centerline. The decision was made to abort the takeoff and exit the runway at the first available taxiway. We returned to the gate and contacted local operations and via ACARS; Dispatch/Maintenance. After deplaning the passengers; in consultation with the Engine desk; we attempted to troubleshoot the cause of the problem. There was no company maintenance locally and we were further challenged with the available Maintenance personnel being unable to speak English. After a few hours; a Mechanic was located who was somewhat English-enabled. Company Engine Maintenance sent a troubleshooting routine to the local ops. This was an ACCEL/DEACCELERATION test requiring a high-powered engine run. After discussing it with the Maintenance folks and the Duty Pilot in Chicago; the decision was made for the aircrew to do the engine run. The crew; along with the Mechanic; thoroughly discussed the troubleshooting routine and taxied the airplane to the approved run-up location on the airfield. The engines 'passed' the test and then the decision was made by Maintenance and the crew to proceed with the mission. The passengers were reloaded in preparation for departure. However; as there was a company airplane inbound to the terminal building; I elected to wait until they deplaned their passengers in the expectation that perhaps maintenance folks were aboard. In fact; they sent 2 technicians and an Inspector to assist us with our problem. After consulting with them; we decided to allow them to investigate the issue further. After a short delay; it became apparent that there was a major problem with our airplane that would not allow us to depart at that time. The passengers were unloaded again and the airplane was given to our Maintenance for further inspection. They found that there was a cracked solenoid switch that controlled the anti-ice valve and a cannon plug which had significant damage. There is some question that the anti-ice valve itself was damaged. Also; a new fuel control unit was installed. I suppose further investigation will determine that. In any event; the Maintenance folks remained at the airplane after the crew left to return to the hotel. The crew had been on duty---including the engine run---for over 12 hours at that time. The airplane was repaired and a successful departure was accomplished the next day.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.