Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How does it start?

[RussW1911]

OK. Got a Phurd guy asking me how the truck starts... . not having glow plugs like the PS, what makes it fire? You guys will be able to explain better than me. Thanks in advance.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Start

The heat of compression heats the air in the cylinder to a point sufficient to ignite the fuel when it is injected. bg

 

[BV]

During the compression stroke the air is compressed and super heated to the point that all you need to do is add fuel and you have instant combustion.



Okay - Mr Smith beat me to it.



BTW - If you can crank on a Phurd long enough to generate enough cylinder heat - They will start up and run also.

 

[gforce71]

Try looking at How Diesel Engines Work on the "How Stuff Works" web site. It explains it in detail and has illustrations too. It will also explain why a glow plug is used.



Hope this helps.



Jeff

 

[Oil Burner]

Tell him that glow plugs aren't the same as spark plugs and that the glow plugs don't ignite the fuel. Air behaves as an ideal gas, as pressure rises (in compression) the temp rises proportional to pressure. the the heated ideal gas (air) reaches the flash point and cumbusts the fuel driving cylinder pressures up and forcing the piston down. the ford glow plugs and resistance heater in dodges make this easier in cold weather.

-Jason