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There are a number of things, but the two primary reasons are that diesel fuel is far less combustible than gasoline, and temperature of the fuel. Diesel fuel gels at 5.5 degrees F. Remember, the only thing starting a diesel engine is compression, they have no spark! (And no, the glow plugs don't ignite fuel, they warm the air in the cylinder!)
First answer is correct and true. I just wanted to add the fact that diesel's compression ratio's can be as high as 21:1-23:1 (older Ford IDI engine's) but typically sit around 18-20:1. So in that case a lot more air is compressed per compression stroke. When you compress air it becomes extremely hot. Inject a little squirt or six (depending on how many pulse's that particular manufacturer programed the injector to do) into that super heated air and BOOOOM the explosion is ten fold more powerful then any gasoline ignition process. As for the glow plugs again first answer is correct so with that said it aide's in getting the air hot faster and nothing to do with the combustion process like people might think.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThere are many reasons Diesel engines can be hard to start.
The most worrying is a failure of the lift fuel pump, Usually the engine will eventually start but the very expensive main pump will be damaged by operating like this.
Other more common problems: Cold weather, Pre-heat system not working, Poor Batteries, Poor fuel, incorrect fuel for the weather conditions.
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Mercedes sprinter diesel engine hard to start when cold?
Most diesel engines are hard to start when it is cold. Plugging the diesel engine block heater in will help the engine start.
Starter relay clicks and truck is hard to start on diesel engine?
Could be bad glow plugs.
What does stale gas do to an engine?
Makes it hard to start and run poorly.
Why is your Hyundai starex 1999 model intercooler turbo diesel engine hard to start?
thw weather is cold?
Why is Diesel engine hard to start?
Diesel engines have a much higher compression ratio than a petrol engine, meaning that they compress a larger volume of air into, for arguments sake, the same space as a comparitive petrol. This requires more torque to turn the engine over but results in a bigger bang. Which is why they are hard to start as they need a bigger electric motor to start them and are almost imposible to clutch start
What does glow mean on fuse box?
Glow is probably for "glow plug" which is a diesel engine application. If your vehicle isn't diesel, it had that option as an engine, so that fuse would be found empty in your vehicle. If your vehicle is a diesel, a blown fuse here would lead to a "hard to start"or "no start" issue.
Why is your Mitsubishi L200 Diesel rebuilt engine hard to start?
i think it has a problem in your injection pump or injector. or try to check your timing and your heater.
What are the possible causes of hard starting in diesel engines for vehicles?
You eating the engine.
What will be done to a diesel car that is hard to start in the morning?
glow plugs
What truck engine offers more pulling power gas or diesel?
Here's the rule: Gas goes faster, but diesel hauls heavier loads. There is much more energy in diesel fuel than in gasoline. Diesel engines can be hard to start in colder weather, and they leave plumes of black smoke in the air, sometimes.
Hard or no start 03 dodge diesel?
Probably the fuel pump. Or the injectors.
Why is your 306 very hard to start?
Diesel Models: Normally a problem with faulty glow plugs. The starter motor will appear to turn normally. Its possible that not all the glow plugs are faulty, and after several attempts the engine will start.
