The main problem in winter is starting a cold engine. More often it occurs in relation to carburetor engines, but in severe frost, the owner of a car with an injection engine may also encounter it. The reasons are known: thickened oil, a drop in battery capacity and poor evaporation of gasoline.
One of the solutions to this problem is the installation of electrical devices for heating the liquid of the engine cooling system (preheaters).
The main disadvantage of electric coolant heating is that a house or office needs to have a special shield with a socket. The way out is an autonomous liquid fuel heater, which is also built into the engine cooling system and works on the principle of a hot water boiler. The fuel for it is gasoline or diesel, depending on what your car's engine is running on.
The benefit of heating systems also lies in the fact that when they are used, the engine resource increases. Each start of a cold engine at a temperature of -20 ° C is equivalent to a run of 800 km. By the way, according to modern views, the motor will reach operating temperature faster, and its wear will be less if, after starting, you do not stand still, but start moving as quickly as possible, avoiding, of course, excessive load on the engine.
The procedure for starting the engine without a preheater in severe frosts is practically the same as the usual one. We can only recommend the following preparatory operations to facilitate starting a cold engine.
1. If the car has been standing for more than one night, after turning on the ignition, before starting the engine, wait 3-5 seconds so that the electric fuel pump has time to increase the pressure of gasoline in the power supply system to the working one.
2. The capacity of the battery in severe frost decreases, and the energy consumption for cranking the crankshaft of an engine with thickened oil is much greater. In order to prolong battery life, turn on high beam for 30-60 seconds using the stalk in light signaling mode before turning on the starter. Due to the passage of a small current in the battery, chemical processes begin and its ability to deliver energy increases significantly.
3. If the engine did not start on the first attempt (the starter worked for 5–10 s), the second one can be taken no earlier than after 30 s. If the engine does not start on the third attempt, it is necessary to look for malfunctions in the power and ignition systems.
Many owners of diesel cars are apprehensively waiting for winter frosts, since almost every one of them had to deal with the fact that the car does not start in sub-zero temperatures. The main reason for this is the thickening of diesel fuel at low temperatures. This trouble happens due to the formation of small paraffin particles in diesel fuel. However, if you apply small tricks that experienced drivers use, you can figure out how to start a diesel engine in cold weather.
In order for a diesel engine to easily start in severe frost, it is necessary to take into account such important factors:
- good and proven fuel;
- reliable battery;
- working starter;
- quality candles.
A prerequisite is also normal compression and a serviceable injection system. When at least one of these points is inoperative or works poorly, the diesel engine will not start in frost. By the arrival of cold weather, it is necessary to check the operation of the engine in a good workshop. A smoking engine indicates a lack of power, uneven operation, or problems with compression. This is one of the main indicators that can characterize the entire operation of the motor.
Checking the diesel engine is carried out using a pressure gauge, which is connected directly to the injector. Thus, the working pressure in the cylinder is checked when the crankshaft is running. If the car is new, then this indicator should be at least 30-40 bar. If the pressure in the working cylinder is lower than 20 bar, then starting the diesel engine in frost will definitely not take place. But this is more common on cars with high mileage, where the engine is already developed. In this case, a major overhaul of the motor is necessary or, as an option for winter, a warm, heated garage. In the warm season, even a heavily worn engine starts without problems.
Possible problems with the injector
In older cars with high mileage, the problem with the injector usually manifests itself when starting the car, power is also significantly reduced and the exhaust pipe smokes. Such an engine starts to work too noisily, it seems to be knocking with something metal. If the car is new, then you can find out that the injector is not working by hard braking after pressing the gas pedal. The cost of injector repair varies depending on the year of manufacture of the car, the newer the car, the more expensive the injector repair will be.
Battery Disadvantages
As practice shows, starting any diesel car is much more problematic than starting a car with a gasoline engine of the same power. Therefore, diesel engines are equipped with batteries and starters that are much more powerful. In winter, all battery defects manifest themselves in a double amount, since in severe frosts the need for an engine in electricity increases significantly. Frost thickens the fuel, the starters spin harder, and the spark plugs need to run longer. Usually, the colder it is outside, the less battery power. How to start a diesel engine in cold weather becomes the main issue even for experienced car owners.
To avoid many problems in advance, you need to take a closer look at the work of the starter. If it does not work well or after a couple of attempts to start it noticeably weakens, then you need to contact a specialist. The service station will check the performance of the battery and all parts of the car used to charge it. If you immediately buy a new battery without checking the old one, then often this is just a waste of money, perhaps the problem is not in it. The alternator or starter may be faulty. The service life of modern batteries is three to five years.
Fuel and fuel filter problems
With a sharp drop in temperature, the tanks of most diesel vehicles are still filled with summer diesel fuel, which tends to thicken strongly at zero degrees. Paraffin, deposited in frost from such fuel, can completely clog the fuel filter, this is one of the reasons for the inability to start a diesel engine correctly in frost. If, for some reason, summer fuel was not used, a special additive, an antidepressant, must be poured into the tank. This will help to reduce the thickening parameters of diesel fuel. Experts recommend changing the fuel filter before the onset of frost, in diesel engines the filter design provides for a sump to collect water, if there is a lot of liquid in the sump, then in frost it will freeze and limit the flow of diesel fuel into the engine.
Most diesel owners think that diesel engine problems in the winter are due to diesel fuel that is out of season. There are only three types of diesel fuel:
- summer diesel fuel - used from zero degrees and more;
- winter diesel fuel - poured at negative temperatures up to minus thirty degrees;
- arctic fuel - used in diesel vehicles at temperatures below minus thirty degrees.
The most important difference between all these brands is the temperature of the thickening of the fuel. If the fuel is filled according to the season, then the use of special additives is not required. If all systems of the car are in good condition, the diesel engine will start in the cold on the first try.
Candle failure
It is very rare that all car candles fail at the same time. If the car is old and with high mileage, the driver may not even notice the failure of a separate candle, it’s just that when the engine is started, the engine starts weaker and its work is uneven for several seconds. In the fall, it is advisable to revise car candles and replace faulty elements.
The performance of candles can be checked without contacting specialists. The element must be pulled out, the contact from the minus connected to the body, and plus thrown onto the candle terminals. When the candle is working, the tube will instantly warm up. After a few seconds, it will fully heat up and it will glow.
Proven ways to start a diesel
A very reliable and proven way to ensure the correct functioning of the fuel structure of a diesel car is to install a heating structure in the fuel tank, on the pipes and on the filter. It is very easy, although dangerous, to start a diesel engine using a tug.
Passenger cars are equipped with a belt-type distribution system drive. When a tug is used, jerks are inevitable, this can lead to a break in the belt. You can use the tug only in hopeless situations when the battery is dead or the starter is broken.
Take some advice from experienced drivers:
- if the diesel engine is started in frost, it is necessary to turn on the high-beam headlights for several minutes, then squeeze the clutch for a few seconds, and then let the starter rest, this can help the diesel plant;
- it is possible to add kerosene to the fuel, even with prolonged operation in sub-zero temperatures, such a composition does not affect the operation of the entire diesel engine design;
- use additives that reduce the thickening point of diesel fuel;
- to quickly warm up a frozen diesel engine, you can put a cover on the car and put a heat gun under the bottom. The temperature under the engine must be brought to at least zero degrees;
- if we start a diesel engine in frost, then for a quick start, you can sprinkle ether into the air intake, you need to try to start the engine while the ether is in a sprayed state;
- another method proven over the years from experienced drivers of diesel cars. If the car does not want to start in the cold, it is necessary to warm up the drain manifold. This can be done elementarily, with a piece of paper and matches. The paper is set on fire and the collector is heated with the help of smoke, in this case the machine starts up very quickly;
- you need to buy diesel fuel only at proven gas stations, saving on diesel fuel, you can spend a lot on repairs.
Conclusion
Diesel vehicles are popular due to their power and efficiency in operation. But for all these advantages, lovers of such cars suffer in winter frosts. The transition period from autumn to winter is especially troublesome, it is at this time that there are frequent frosts, and the fuel in the car is mostly filled with summer fuel. So you have to spend hours trying to start your car. If you follow the advice of experts and carefully monitor the car, then even in severe frosts such problems will not arise.
In winter, many motorists are faced with the problem of difficult starting the engine. This is especially true for vehicles running on diesel fuel. The engines of such cars are arranged somewhat differently. Therefore, for them there are separate rules on how to start a diesel engine in cold weather. Let's look at what affects the launch and how to prepare your iron friend for winter operation.
Compression
This is one of the main factors that affects the quality of the launch. Diesel units differ from gasoline units in higher compression and compression ratio. Let's look at how this factor affects the launch of the power unit:
- Compression up to 18. This is a very low figure. The operation of a diesel engine in winter in this case is impossible. The car cannot be started even "hot".
- From 20 to 24. In this situation, the car can be started, but only in a warm box. If he stood overnight on the street, it will be extremely difficult to start him.
- About 25. Here the unit can operate at temperatures up to minus 10 degrees Celsius.
- Compression 26-30. The start temperature indicator drops to minus 15 degrees.
- 32 and above. This is normal compression, which should be in a serviceable diesel car. Such a power unit will start without problems at a temperature of minus 20-30 degrees Celsius.
As you can see, the compression ratio significantly affects how the engine performs in the winter. The higher it is, the greater the chances of a successful launch.
How to check the value?
To do this, use a device - a compression tester. But the measurement procedure is slightly different from that on gasoline engines. The compression gauge is screwed into the injector installation site.
Next, the engine is started. In this case, you do not need to press the accelerator pedal. Three or four revolutions of the crankshaft are enough for the device to “grab” the maximum readings. If the compression is below 17, the engine may not start at all. Normal values should be around 30, but not less than 24 revolutions. It is worth checking the engine with a run of more than one hundred thousand kilometers, as well as on the eve of the winter season. Having eliminated the breakdown in advance, you will not be faced with how to start a diesel car in the cold. To increase compression, repair of the cylinder-piston group is required. However, this procedure is already performed by specialists.
Battery
A fresh battery is a guarantee of a successful start at any time. And it doesn't matter if you start the engine "hot" or "cold". A good charge will ensure good rotation of the crankshaft, and as a result, a quick start of the power unit. The battery life is three to five years. it is worth noting that a diesel unit requires more energy to start than a gasoline unit (even if the compared engines have the same number and arrangement of cylinders). Before the start of winter, check the electrolyte level. If the liquid has boiled away in a small volume, it is recommended to replenish it with distilled water. It is strictly forbidden to pour the usual "from the tap". Also check the quality of the connections at the terminals. Sometimes they oxidize, as shown in the photo below:
In this case, it is recommended to clean them in order to ensure a quality connection of the conductors. To do this, remove the terminal and pick up coarse sandpaper. Also check the contacts that go to the starter. If necessary, they are also cleaned of dirt and deposits.
Filters
If your diesel does not start, the problem may be in the accumulated "sludge" that is in the fuel filter. Dirty particles interfere with the normal supply of fuel. The resource of the fine filter is 10 thousand kilometers. As for the coarse cleaning element, it can simply be blown out with a compressor and installed back. The main part of the dirt accumulates in the second filter. The fine cleaning element retains particles up to 10 microns in size. By itself, it is a porous paper placed in a metal case.
If the diesel does not start, then this element is dirty and needs to be replaced. When preparing your car for winter, do not forget about the air filter. Since the engine requires not only fuel, but also oxygen, the condition of this cleaning element directly affects the quality of work and engine start. The advice of experienced drivers says that this filter should be changed as often as possible (but no later than 10 thousand kilometers). Its resource is especially reduced when operating in rough terrain, where instead of asphalt there is slag and a primer.
Oil
In order not to ask the question “how to start a diesel engine in the cold”, you should change the engine oil for the winter. Now manufacturers produce lubricants not only by engine type (diesel or gasoline), but also by seasonality. In the cold period, it is allowed to use a less viscous oil. This will greatly facilitate starting the engine in winter.
glow plugs
Gasoline engines use spark plugs to ignite the mixture. Diesel engines are built differently. It does not require an additional spark to start and operate - the mixture ignites from a high compression ratio. But modern manufacturers equip diesel engines with auxiliary elements. Among them is a glow plug. It heats up the diesel fuel for a more successful start.
This is especially true in winter. How to start a diesel engine in severe frost? To do this, you need to wait until the candle heats up the fuel. Turn the key to the third position. The control lamp on the instrument panel will light up. It is usually red or yellow in color. After a few seconds, it will turn off. As soon as it stops burning, we start the engine. Thus, you stand more time so that the candle heats up the fuel better.
How to start a diesel engine in cold weather? Ether in an aerosol
Surely you have heard of such tools as "easy start". These products are available in small aerosol cans. They are useful in that they can start a diesel engine even in extreme conditions. The product contains flammable substances. Due to them, an “easy” start of the engine is made. The mixture begins to burn out earlier - the chances of a successful start increase several times. But it is worth remembering that in large quantities flammable substances harm the diesel engine. Therefore, such a product should be used only in emergency situations.
How to start a diesel engine in cold weather using the “easy start” tool? To do this, unscrew the air filter housing, or better, remove the pipe. Directly into it we begin to spray the composition. At this time, the assistant cranks the starter. The motor will start easily.
Is it possible to start "from the pusher"?
Surely many of us have seen how the Zhiguli and Volga are started in this way. Accelerating the car to the minimum speed, the driver turns the key - under pressure, the mixture ignites. But the trouble is that this cannot be done on a diesel engine. Therefore, we exclude this launch option in the first place.
We dilute the fuel
Everyone knows that diesel, unlike gasoline, has two varieties - summer and winter. The so-called arctic fuel does not always appear at gas stations on time. There are severe cold spells. Then the question arises of how to start a diesel engine in winter in summer diesel fuel. Since its crystallization temperature is an order of magnitude higher, it freezes more easily. At minus 10 degrees, it turns into paraffin.
It is simply impossible to start the engine on such fuel. How to be in such a situation? To do this, we need to dilute the fuel in the tank with a special "winter" additive. The same is added at filling stations (into the same “summer fuel”), so this product should not be considered foreign and harmful to a diesel unit. It is recommended to pour the product in advance (for example, overnight). In the morning you will successfully start the engine on summer fuel. The product is inexpensive - about 400 rubles for a 500-ml bottle. But there are times when diesel fuel crystallizes in the filters themselves.
And here no additive will help. How to start a diesel engine in cold weather? For this, third-party elements are used. Simply put, the filter is heated with a gas or kerosene burner. Do not worry - diesel fuel will not catch fire from such a fire. The main thing is not to get on plastic elements that can melt. This is the surest way to start the engine in any cold.
Experienced drivers are advised to use kerosene as an additive. It is diluted in a ratio of "one to ten". Kerosene is not harmful to a diesel engine. And the effect is the same as that of specialized additives. The product will make diesel fuel more liquid, and excess substances will evaporate through the crankcase ventilation system. If there is neither a burner nor kerosene with additives at hand, you can heat the filter using improvised methods. For example, boiling water from a kettle, or a hairdryer. This is especially true for cars with plastic fuel lines. Under the influence of high temperatures, diesel fuel will become less thick, and you can successfully start the car.
Starting a car with automatic transmission
The automatic transmission has a torque converter in its design. It works thanks to the oil that is inside. In winter, it also thickens. On cars with manual transmission, to disconnect the box from the engine, just press the clutch pedal. On an automatic, the starter has to expend energy to turn the flywheel and gearbox shaft because the assembly does not fully disengage.
This makes starting the engine difficult. In order to successfully start the engine in winter, it is necessary to change the oil in the automatic transmission more often. The cleaner it is, the easier it will be for the motor in winter. In extreme cases, warm up with a hairdryer, but this applies to cases where the temperature is far beyond minus 30.
Conclusion
So, we found out what actions need to be taken to successfully start the engine in cold weather. By the way, how to warm up a diesel engine in winter? Experts recommend not to keep it idle for a long time. After a minute of inactivity, you can move at low speed. After 2-3 kilometers, the engine will be warmed up and ready for normal operation. Remember that at idle it will never warm up properly.
