Starting Device Troubles

To start a starting engine in good repair usually requires not more than three or four starting attempts. If the engine does not start, check the fuel and ignition systems.

The starting engine will be hard to start if its compression is low. In this case, it is necessary to replace the piston rings because even if the engine does start, it will not develop its full power.

If the starting engine is noisy or knocks, the causes of engine troubles can be pinpointed by listening attentively to the engine operating under different conditions. A sharp, metallic, double-knock, generally audible with the engine idling, is the result of excessive piston pin clearance due to worn piston pin or connecting rod small end bushing. A rattle audible over the entire height of the cylinder is

caused by excessively worn piston, or broken or worn piston rings, while dull knocks in the lower part of the engine, which become louder as the engine speed is increased, result from worn connecting rod bearing. A noisy engine must be repaired.

The starting engine may overheat if there is not enough water in the cooling system, or if the engine is operated under full load for more than 15 minutes at a time. Therefore, do not fail to check the water level in the cooling system and top it up, if necessary, and never use the engine for too long a time.

If the crankshaft of the diesel engine does not spin with the starting engine running at full speed, the trouble is with the starting-engine drive. The starting-engine drive clutch will slip if the clutch discs are excessively worn. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the position of the clutch lever.

If the starter-gear fails to remain in mesh with the flywheel ring gear, it is necessary to check the automatic starter-gear release mechanism and remedy the cause of trouble. This is most likely worn dogs of the flyweights or worn edges of the special washer. If the starter-gear is hard to shift into mesh with the flywheel ring gear, it is necessary to remove dents from the gear teeth.