On the 2nd engine, did it shut off clean or did it smoke / run away? When a diesel is cranking, it is at max fuel ( Governor is at zero RPM so the rack is at full stroke ). Some engines ( usually industrial that have a low operating max limit. ) have a cold start lever that increases cranking fuel even more.


Can you rotate the engine by hand easily?

What are you using for an oil filter / housing / cooler?

Have you pulled the glow plugs and tried to crank? This would determine if there is a near hydralock condition.