On Tuesday 18 November 2003 08:19 pm, Joel wrote:
> Most people want to get off the starter as soon as it is firing.  But trust
> me- just keep the starter engaged a few seconds longer and you will have
> much less smoke and a better, smoother start-up.

Yup, I know what you mean.  As a gasoline engine driver I was trained to
*immediately* release the key as soon as the engine fired, but that doesn't
work so well on a cold diesel, especially one with somewhat weak compression.
;)  I think there are two factors at work here -- one is that the starter
will keep the engine turning at enough speed to fire if it misses a bit at
first, avoiding the "start and die" effect, but I think a more significant
one is that whenever you're holding the key in the START position, the glow
plugs are energized.  By keeping the starter engaged you're actually
lengthening the glow cycle.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon