Ahh, I remember my first Wanderlodge, a '77 3208 Cat powered. I went to test drive it just after Christmas, in Michigan, it was 8*F out when I arrived early in the morning. It cranked about one turn and started, wasn't plugged in or otherwise warmed up. Sure smoked like crazy when it first started though.
The simple answer is surface to voume ratio. The amount of heat lost to cylinder walls in a little 3liter six compared to a 10.4liter V8 is substantial. Less leak-down at cranking speeds also.
My '88 Wanderlodge had a "cold start aid", a pushbutton that would dump a metered shot of ether into the intake if there was no oil pressure for starting, never used it / never needed it.
Most guys with big diesels know that ether can stretch head bolts and other bad things, don't use the stuff. Many of us carry WD-40 for emergency starting fluid, isn't good for much of anything else LOL.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kerry edwards
OK, everyone back on track!!!!  Why do some need glowplugs and some don't? Does the length of stroke make a difference? |