Push Starting your Diesel

[Double 6]

Here is the scenario, no jumper cables, have some battery power but not enough to turn over the Cummins, can you push start your truck and let out the clutch and fire it up like a gas engine or with low battery power are you screwed with the computer stuff on these newer ones.

Had this question asked to me, but was not sure of the answer.

Any answers appreciated.

 

[SEmerson]

I would think it would start. As long as you have some power.

 

[LSMITH]

It can and has been done. You need a lot more RPM than you think though, it is a pull start rather than a push start uless you and some friends are athletic, quite athletic too.

 

[HC]

More than once, I've had trouble getting enough juice through jumper cables to start a diesel. Can be done, but takes more care and bigger cables than a gasser. My back up plan is to charge for 10 minutes with jumper cables to get enough juice to run the electronics, then request tow to top of nearest hill for a rolling start.