Tom Quackenbush wrote:
Christopher Tidy wrote:
snip

In my experience diesel engines start much more easily in cold weather
(and after long idle periods) than traditional petrol engines which
employ a carburettor. Two days ago I started up a bakhoe loader which
hasn't run for 4 1/2 years. Needed a new battery but then it fired up
straight away. I didn't even have to drain the fuel tank. You'd be lucky
to do that with a simple petrol engine.


What was the temperature when you started it?

This time it was probably 18 C, so okay, not cold. But I've started the
same machine after long idle periods when it's below 0 C with no
problems at all. It has a "cold start" button which causes the pump to
inject more diesel, raising the compression ratio and sealing up any
leaks around the pistons. Works great! I've also had big problems
starting petrol engines in warm weather. Just my experience...

Chris