I used to operate ALCO deisels (ALCO means American Locomotive Company) at a pipeline station. They were warmed up and pre-lubed by a four cyl. Pony Motor, which in this case was a Ford 1600 c.c. like you would find in a Pinto.

The ezhust manifold would go into the ALCO intake and heat it up and the volume of gasses coming off the Pony would even turn the ALCO cylinders over, thus causing the oil pump to lube up everything under no-load conditions.

When it was warmed up you would engage the Pony motor which, through a flywheel and drive-belt system, acted like a starter motor, started the ALCO.

It took about 15 minutes to start the diesel this way, and we never let the RPM get over 650. Redline was 900 RPM.