Starting a diesel engine in winter: what you need to know
Let's start with that, that in the last ten years the diesel engine on cars has become a worthy alternative to gasoline counterparts for a number of reasons. At the same time, among the main advantages are significant fuel savings due to better efficiency and other positive qualities of engines of this type.
However, this type of engine is also not without its drawbacks. The main problem of all diesels without exception on modern cars is the vulnerability of the sensitive ??fuel system, as well as the difficulties of cold start. It should be noted, that certain knowledge allows to avoid a number of similar troubles in the course of operation of the diesel engine.
In this article we will talk about that, what you need to know a beginner "diesel" about the features of engines of this type, as well as how to start the diesel in the cold and do it right with minimal damage to the engine and other systems of the power unit.
Cold start of the diesel engine in winter: complexity and nuances
Usually, problems with diesel start just then, when the outside air temperature drops to zero and below. At near-zero and negative temperatures in any engine the engine oil thickens a little, the fuel evaporates worse, The battery is more discharged, etc.. As a result, the launch can be naturally complicated.
As for the diesel, in this case, diesel fuel deserves special attention. The point is, that diesel fuel is divided into "winter" and "summer". This division is dictated by them, that fuel of this type tends to thicken and paraffin in the cold. If this does not happen in warm weather, then in winter thick diesel fuel will simply not be pumped through the power system.
It turns out, in summer, gas stations sell so-called "summer" diesel fuel, at the same time to solve the problem with the onset of cold weather at the gas station supplied "winter" diesel fuel. If simple, special additives are added to the summer diesel separately, which allow this type of fuel to remain fluid even at sub-zero temperatures.
It is important to understand, that in the off-season, when in the afternoon ??still relatively warm, and it is already cold at night, not all gas stations have time to switch to winter diesel. If you take into account, that winter fuel itself is even more expensive, then some unscrupulous sellers in the pursuit of profit often sell annual diesel fuel at the price of winter before the onset of stable cold. The situation is further complicated by that, that visually, by smell, consistency and any other signs of summer diesel fuel from winter DT can not be distinguished.
How to start a diesel in winter
so, with "fuel" risks sorted out. Now it becomes clear, which is a common problem when starting a diesel in winter, which leads to difficulties during a cold start, is out of season or poor quality diesel fuel. The following solutions are the best ways to avoid such problems:
- parking in a warm garage or heated parking lot;
- installation of engine preheating systems, fuel filters, etc. .;
- independent use of additives-antigels;
If with the first two ways and so everything is clear, then the third decision is questioned by many engine repair professionals and experienced motorists. The point is, that the addition of various foreign additives to the fuel tank can be dangerous for the diesel power system and the engine itself.
By the way, many official dealers indicate separately, that if there are any breakdowns due to the use of various antigels on diesel cars, which are under warranty, then such a fault is not a warranty. This means, that the repair will be performed exclusively at the expense of the owner.
Let's go back to the cold start. Let's imagine a typical situation, when there is no garage, and the car itself has been standing on the street for a long time. At the same time the car is not additionally equipped with any heaters. In this case, you need to know, how to start a diesel in winter and what to do, to do everything right.
First of all, is taken into account, that starting the diesel engine in the winter in comparison with petrol can be complicated owing to individual differences of such engine. To be precise, fuel injection and subsequent ignition of the mixture of fuel and air in the diesel engine is somewhat different, than in the gasoline engine.
Diesel has no ignition system, air is supplied to the cylinders at the initial stage, which is sharply compressed by the piston and is strongly heated as a result of such compression. Then at the very end of the compression stroke diesel fuel is injected, then the resulting fuel-air mixture ignites independently of high temperature and compression.
It becomes clear, that the key in starting the diesel is the temperature in the cylinder. To increase it, additional voltage spark plugs are used on motors of this type. These candles are designed for that, to preheat the combustion chamber before supplying air and diesel fuel.
- For this reason, the cylinders must be warmed up before starting, activating the glow plugs.
- To do this, turn the key in the ignition, then the candle operation indicator will light up (in the form of a spiral).
- Then you have to wait, until the indicator starts to signal, that the warm-up is complete. On many cars the indicator in this case simply goes out.
- It is important to follow one recommendation - even if the indicator goes out, do not start the engine immediately.
- We have to wait, to sound the characteristic sound of the glow plug relay, which indicates a shutdown (the voltage on the spark plugs is not applied).
- After, as the click sounded, you need to reactivate the voltage plugs.
- Then wait again until it clicks, then repeat the procedure a third time, however after that, as the candle indicator goes out, you don't have to wait any longer to click.
- The engine should be started immediately, as the combustion chamber is heated properly.
If the diesel is working, fuel and oil did not thicken, The battery is normally charged and the spark plugs are working, then the diesel engine should start without problems.
What shall I do, if the diesel does not start
If the power unit is working properly, but after cooling did not start even after warming up with candles, then you should check the glow plugs themselves, fuel condition, as well as air and fuel filters.
In some cases it turns out, that voltage spark plugs require replacement. Also, if the air filter is dirty, there may not be enough air, and thickening of fuel or contamination of the fuel filter lead to lack of fuel.
We also recommend reading the article about it, why diesel starts badly "hot". In this article you will learn about the possible causes of difficult starting of the diesel engine after warming up the power unit.
By the way, on high-mileage engines failure to start may indicate a decrease in compression due to total wear of the LPG. In this case, the engine must be disassembled, to defect and repair.
Tips and tricks
Some experienced drivers use the following method to facilitate the start of the diesel engine in winter:
- first, the combustion chamber is heated by glow plugs a couple of times;
- then in the case of the air filter from the syringe is poured about 10 ml. gasoline;
- then the engine can be started;
Let's note at once, such a decision is an emergency measure, that is, you cannot use this method regularly. Running with gasoline vapors leads to increased loads, which significantly reduces engine life.
Also to owners of diesel cars, which are operated in regions with rather severe winters, it is possible to advise installation of various preheaters (fuel filter heater and power system, engine oil heater in the pan, engine preheater type Webasto or Hydronic, etc.)
It is also recommended to insulate the engine compartment and the engine separately. The car blanket is well suited for this purpose, which retains heat and prevents rapid cooling of the engine. It will not be superfluous to insulate the radiator of the cooling system. Different solutions can be used for these purposes, the simplest of which is the installation of a dense cardboard "gate".
We also recommend reading the article about it, which is better, Webasto or Hydronic. In this article you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these systems for preheating the engine and autonomous heating.
Finally, note, that long warm up diesel on idle is not recommended, as the motor of this type warms up only in movement under loading. This means, that through 3-5 minutes after starting work on a diesel car you need to go, however riding for the first time 5 km. should be smooth, without a significant increase in turnover, abrupt starts and braking, high gears, etc..
Similar records
Auto 