Diesel Engine Starter

The electronic control system (ECS) is to make the engine work in the best working condition by electronically controlling the engine ignition, fuel injection, air-fuel ratio, exhaust gas, etc, so as to improve its vehicle performance and save energy and reduce exhaust emissions. A starter, included in the electronic control system (also known as a self-starter, cranking motor, or starter motor) is a device used to turn an internal combustion engine (crank) so that the internal combustion engine starts and operates under its own power. The starter can be electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic. The starter can equally be another type of internal combustion engine, for example for very large engines, or a diesel engine for agricultural or excavation applications. This article will introduce a diesel engine starter.

How does a diesel engine starter work?

The starter motor is generally composed of a transmission mechanism, a control mechanism (electromagnetic switch), and a DC motor. The working principle of the starter motor is to convert the electrical energy of the battery into mechanical energy, thereby driving the flywheel on the engine to rotate, thus realizing the starting of the engine. A diesel engine needs to rotate between 150 and 250 rpm to start. the purpose of the starting system is to provide the torque needed to achieve the necessary minimum cranking speed. As the diesel engine starter begins to rotate the flywheel, the crankshaft is turned, which then starts piston movement. 

Is starter fluid bad for diesel engines?

Starter fluid is a volatile chemical, usually ether, usually packaged in pressurized aerosol cans. It is designed to be sprayed in small quantities on the engine inlet to assist in engine start. It is often used by people in extremely cold weather to help start tenacious engines. But some people also use it to start the engine so that it turns but does not start. Diesel engines are undoubtedly affected by starter fluid. Their high compressibility can lead to premature ignition, effectively causing pre-ignition, which can lead to various problems such as catastrophic piston or rod damage. Plus, it has no lubricating properties, so it accelerates piston wear. You can find various examples online of people blowing up diesel engines after using too much starter fluid.

How to test starters in diesel engines?

If diesel engines can not start due to a bad starter, we should test the starter from the following aspects.

Firstly, we need to check the battery power, if the battery power is insufficient, the starter motor will appear low speed or do not work. At this time, charge the battery in time.

Secondly, check the joint of the connecting wire to see if there is slack damage. If there is slack, we should tighten the joint in time and replace the junction post if it’s necessary.

Thirdly, check the relays of the starter motor and the fuse, if it’s burned out, replace it.

Then, check whether the gear of the starter motor can not be embedded in the fly gear ring. At this time, we can rotate the flywheel to a position to check the installation of the starter motor.