Thread: quick inquiry.

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Actually some diesels do have glow plugs in the chamber. Usually lower compression, gas engine-based automotive diesels.
Field-Marshall two-stroke single cylinder diesel engine had a wick! You got a cigarette-sized roll of nitrate-treated paper burning and screwed it in a hole like a spark plug hole, and cranked her up! It could also be started by firing a shotgun shell in a little chamber with a BFH, but that's another story.

Originally Posted by R Pope

It could also be started by firing a shotgun shell in a little chamber with a BFH, but that's another story.

Brings back memories of the old Flight of the Phoenix movie - six shells to use, and the engine lit on the last one. High drama, that!!

......and I can assure you in cold weather a diesel WILL NOT start without glow plugs - as I can relate when my tractor wouldn't start last winter after a snow storm when the beasties that camped out in the engine compartment thought the glow plug the insulation was better food then scrounging some spilled bird seed. Killed all three glow plugs plus a chipmunk who was still there when I tried to start it up to use the blower.

Now - if I could have used one of those starting shotgun shells

Originally Posted by IC2

......and I can assure you in cold weather a diesel WILL NOT start without glow plugs - as I can relate when my tractor wouldn't start last winter after a snow storm when the beasties that camped out in the engine compartment thought glow plug the wire insulation was better food then scrounging some spilled bird seed. Killed all three glow plugs plus a chipmunk who was still there when I tried to start it up to use the blower.

Now - if I could have used one of those starting shotgun shells

used to have a diesel rabbit - always ate glow plugs.
many times started it with lots and lots of hot water
poured over the cylinder head.