Quote:
Originally Posted by ericnguyen
Dear friends:
Since diesel engines do not use spark plugs, I wonder whether it's true that a diesel car (e.g. an old one without any computer-controlled emission/timing etc..., and no lights) would continue to run until it is out of fuel even if its battery and alternator are completely dead.
If it is, it's a great advantage of a diesel car hehe.
Eric
|
The above is true but how do you get the engine to start to begin with? The other part of it is do you need to use the glow plugs to get the engine started. If that is so you at least need enough battery for that.
If you have a manual transmission, you might be able to push your Car jump in and get it started. Pushed or drag started.
If you have an automatic transmission, it has been claimed it can be pushed or dragged by another vehicle up to lie 30 mph and you have a chance to start it.
Many Diesel Engines have air starters to crank the engine.