Help with deisel engine.

[10ClarionSt]

I don't know anything about deisel engines and my daughter has just a bought a car with a deisel engine.
Can you tell me the best way to start the car? Do you pump the accelerator or not when starting the engine? Do you pump the accelerator before starting? Is it possible to bump start a deisel engine? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

you shouldent have to pump,turn the key,let the yellow coil light go out,which means the engine is ok to start,then just turn the key and away the engine goes,i wouldent bump start it,but i expect you could if needed,allways wait for the yellow light to go out before starting,ok

[chadad]

When starting any vehicle, keep the clutch fully depressed.
The starter will spin faster as it does not have the gear box to contend with.
This applies especially on winter mornings.
chadad.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

there is no need at all to depress the clutch.where you got that from,and whoever told you to do that is crazy,it can cause damage to the clutch and flywheel

[Panic Button]

Funny. I was taught to always hold the clutch down when starting, for the same reason as Chahad. Also stops the danger of trying to start in gear.

[homer75]

Starting with the clutch depressed is nonsense. The saving in gearbox drag is not even worth considering. If you need to press the clutch to stop you starting in gear then it's time to send the licence back I think. Diesels are high compression engines and a good battery is essential.

[homer75]

p.s. bump starting a diesel is more difficult than a petrol - usually better to tow start but as a last resort.

[chadad]

Re. depressing clutch when starting. It tells you to do this in the owners handbook.
Just note the difference in revs. when you take your foot off the clutch.
(It's in the book)
chadad.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

whos book,noddys,dont talk $hite. show me a driving instructor who tells you to do it and i will give you my porsche

[Toureman]

I always keep my clutch fully depressed when starting my automatic car.

[kempie]

NORMANTHEDOG - you intersperse some sound motoring advice with utter rubbish at times.

I could supply you with the names of a number of driving instructors who advise(d) the depressing of the clutch before starting the engine... mine being one of them.

[Buenchico]

The manufacturer's handbook for my old car, a Citroen BX diesel, specifically stated that the clutch pedal should always be depressed when starting the car.

"failing to depress clutch when starting engine" will count against you if you take a driving test in Georgia:
http://www.dds.ga.gov/rules/rules.aspx?chap=37 5-3-1&rule=375-3-1-.10&head=375-3

Chris

[Toureman]

KEMPIE,

Ordinary Driving Instructors Always advise you to press the clutch when starting the engine just in case you have left the car in gear, not because that is the correct thing to do.

Don't forget they are teaching you how to pass the driving test not to be a good driver.

[chadad]

Hi Norm, Do I have to pay the delivery charge on your porsche. Or is that included in the offer. Lol.
chadad

[NORMANTHEDOG]

kempie,i have been in the motor trade in different ways and forms for 40 yrs and have never heard of any instructor or driver,(i employ 18 drivers at present), depressing the clutch whilst starting any engine,making sure the car is not in gear before stating the engine YES,but NOT when you actually start the engine.now if you prefer to do this, thats your choice. but as far as im concerned,in my vast experience of vehicles,i would not teach it or advise it.

[mr rusty]

Just to clarify, the BX diesel handbook doesn't mention depressing the clutch when starting as normal procedure, but it DOES recommend you do it when temperatures are below freezing.

Presumeably this is to do with easing drag on the engine from thick cold gearbox oil. I've never bothered though....

[Buenchico]

The manual for my last car, which was a diesel, stated that the clutch should be depressed but that the driver should not apply any pressure to the acccelerator pedal when starting the car. (When I took it for a test drive, prior to purchasing it, I pressed the accelerator pedal down and was promptly told by the salesman "I can see you've never driven a diesel before").

Chris

[NORMANTHEDOG]

hi clarion,yes,sorry it seems to have gone astray a bit,just treat it as a normal car while first letting the glow light go out,you shouldent have any problems