One of the common problems in diesel engines is when the engine refuses to start. Whether it’s a CAT, Detroit, Mack, Cummins, it is not rare for this not to happen. Below we will tell you what you can do to force the engine to start.
1. Remove the air filter and put a little petrol or starting fluid: This is the first thing you need to do. The petrol or starting fluid causes early combustion which force starts the engine. But ensure you don’t apply too much starting fluid so that you don’t cause an explosion which can cause you injury and damage the engine.
2. Remove the injectors and put oil in the injector holes: This is another way to start a diesel engine especially if the engine lacks sufficient compression. You need to add about 2 teaspoons of oil in each injector hole. Then you manually rotate the engine so that it can build pressure. Note: Ensure that you manually rotate the engine before you start it from the ignition. If you put too much oil, you won’t be able to rotate the engine manually, just as the battery will not be able to rotate it if there is too much oil.
Don’t forget that after putting the oil in, you need to install back the injectors before you rotate the engine manually.
3. Run direct current for the injection pump solenoid: If the injection pump solenoid does not receive current, it will prevent the injection pump from supplying fuel. So connect a wire from the positive of the battery to the solenoid to check if the solenoid is clicking. Sometimes the solenoid uses two wires, then connect one to the negative battery and the other to the positive battery. Another method is to stick the solenoid pin in an open position by using something to pin it down. Or you can remove the solenoid and put a blockage bolt. Then you should prepare how to turn off the engine by loosening the pressure pipe.
4. Connect a direct current to the heater plugs: If the diesel engine is using a heater plug, then connect your own wire to the positive side of the battery to the heater plugs. Don’t forget to disconnect the wire after 30 seconds or less. It is to heat the cylinder head in case the heater plug is not receiving current.
5. Increase the injection pump advance: Most diesel engine injection pumps have a provision to advance the injection pump. But by advancing the injection pump, you are causing early ignition which helps the engine to start. But if the advance it too much, it will cause a knocking sound. After starting the engine, while the engine is running, you can reduce the advance.
6. Remove the injection pump shim or gasket: This can be done if the engine is a single-cylinder engine. When the shim is reduced, the camshaft can push the injection pump more.
However, if the shim is one, don’t remove it because it will cause oil leaks. But if there are two shims, then you can remove one to force-start the engine.
7. Use a gravity force: if the engine refuses to start, you can bypass the fuel tank, fuel filter, and fuel pump, then hang a small gallon of diesel up above the engine height and connect it to the hose directly to the injection pump. This is necessary because the airlock could have caused the engine not to start.
Please note that as soon as the engine starts running you need to find the fault and return the fuel line.
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