A sharp cold snap is often a real test for owners of diesel cars. The situation when in the morning you go to the car, and it instead of the usual sound of the starter emits only a pathetic creak or even silent, is familiar to many. Diesel engine It is more sensitive to low temperatures than gasoline because of the ignition of fuel.
Unlike gasoline, which is ignited by a spark of a candle, a diesel fuel lights up from high pressure and compression temperature. If these parameters are disturbed by cold, the launch becomes impossible. Panic at such a moment is not necessary - it is necessary to consistently exclude the main reasons for refusal.
There are a number of proven methods that allow you to resuscitate the car even in severe frost. However, it is important to understand the physics of the process: cold air is denser, oil is thicker, and the chemical properties of the fuel change. Proper preparation and knowledge of the algorithm of actions will help you avoid expensive repairs and long wait for the tow truck.
Why diesel is cranky in the cold
The main problem lies in the composition of the fuel. Solar is a mixture of various hydrocarbons, and when the temperature decreases, paraffin crystals begin to form in it. This process is called parafinization. The fuel turns into a jelly-like mass that simply cannot pass through the fuel filter.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to repeatedly start the engine with a paraffin-filled filter can lead to the failure of the high pressure fuel pump (HPPP), as it will start to work "dry" or with overload.
The second critical factor is compression. To ignite diesel fuel, the temperature in the cylinders should reach 700-900 degrees Celsius. A cold engine has increased thermal gaps, and cold air when compressed heats up worse. If a low speed of rotation of the crankshaft is added to this, ignition does not occur.
Use winter depressor additives only at plus temperature or immediately after refueling when the fuel is still warm. Adding an additive to an already frozen fuel in a tank is often inefficient.
The third enemy is the battery. Diesel engines require significantly more energy to scroll with a starter than gasoline. The weak battery charge in the cold drops almost to zero, and the starter simply cannot develop the necessary revolutions. The combination of thick oil, paraffinized fuel and a weak starter makes the launch impossible.
Diagnosis: battery, starter or fuel
Before taking drastic measures, you need to understand what exactly prevents the launch. First of all, pay attention to the behavior of the starter and instruments on the panel. If all the light bulbs go out when you turn the key, and the starter makes one click or is silent - the problem is almost certainly in the future. battery.
If the starter spins cheerfully, with a characteristic sound, but the engine “captures” and stalls, or smokes white smoke without continuing to work, then the problem is in the supply or quality of fuel. In this case, the fuel either does not reach the cylinders or does not ignite due to the low temperature.
The third option is the starter spins sluggishly, "traction", and the engine does not start. This can be a combination of a weak battery charge and thickened oil. It's worth checking out. lamp-lightThe ones responsible for pre-heating the combustion chamber. Their malfunction complicates cold start, although a serviceable diesel engine should start without them, if the rest of the systems are serviceable.
Starting methods: from "lighting" to ether
If the diagnosis showed that the battery is discharged, the fastest way is to light up the car from another car. It is important to observe the polarity of the wire connection so as not to burn the electronics. First connect the plus wire to the donor, then to the discharged battery. Connect the minus wire to the donor's minus, and the second end to the unpainted metal part of the engine (mass) of your car.
Let the charged car run for 5-10 minutes to recharge your battery a little. Then try to start the engine. If the starter spins normally, but the diesel does not catch, you can use the aerosol "Quick start" (ether). It increases the cetane number of the mixture and facilitates ignition.
☑️ The algorithm for using the “Quick Start”
⚠️ Warning: Do not use essential sprays too often and in large quantities. A sharp ignition of a large dose of ether can lead to the destruction of the piston group or the twisting of the rod liners due to detonation.
There is also a method of heating the pallet of the crankcase. If you have access to electricity or a gas burner (with extreme caution!), you can warm up the oil in a pallet. Warm oil will reduce the resistance to rotation, and the starter will be easier to spin the crankshaft to the desired turns. The main thing is not to overheat rubber seals and plastic elements.
Parafinization of fuel: how to melt the ice in the tank
If you realize that the fuel in the tank has turned into a gel, a simple additive will not help - it will simply remain on the surface or in the tank, before reaching the filter. It is necessary to heat the fuel filter and the highway to it. To do this, you can use warm (not boiling water!) watering the filter from a watering pot or bottle.
A more effective, but time-consuming method is to drive the car into a warm garage or heated parking lot for several hours. If this is not possible, some motorists remove the fuel filter and carry it to a warm room so that it thaws, and then quickly install it back.
| Defrosting method | Efficiency | Security | Cost time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm water on the filter | Tall. | Tall. | 10-15 minutes |
| Fryer/heat fan | Medium | Medium (current needed) | 20-30 minutes |
| Alcohol in the tank. | Low (for diesel) | Low (risk for TNVD) | Long-term |
| Warm garage. | Maximum | Maximum | 2-4 hours |
In emergency cases, you can try to add a special fuel tank. depressor Or even ordinary kerosene (in a proportion of up to 10-15% of the volume of fuel) to liquefy the diesel. However, this is a temporary measure, and after warming up the car, it is desirable to dilute the tank with high-quality winter fuel or antigel.
Can I add gasoline to diesel?
Some drivers add up to 20% gasoline to diesel to make it easier to start. This reduces the freezing point, but gasoline has no lubricating properties. With regular use, this can lead to accelerated wear of the plunger pair of TNVD and nozzles. Use this method only as a last resort.
Role of incandescent candles and preheating system
Candles of incandescent are a key element for cold start. They heat the air in the combustion chamber before starting. If one or more candles are faulty, the engine may work unevenly ("trip") immediately after starting or not start at all in severe frost.
You can check the candles by twisting them and applying a voltage of 12 volts. A correct candle should heat the tip from the tip in a few seconds. If the candle is heated only at the base or does not warm at all, it must be replaced. For diesel engines, it is recommended to change the candles of incandescent set.
Modern cars are often equipped with a system. Webasto or similar preheaters. They work independently of the engine, burning fuel from the tank to heat antifreeze. Starting the engine after the operation of "Vebasty" is much easier, since the system already circulates a warm coolant, heated block of cylinders.
Regularly checking candles in the fall is the best insurance against problems with starting in the winter. Do not wait for the first frost to detect their malfunction.
Preparation: How to Prepare for Winter in Advance
To the question “does not start the car diesel in the cold what to do” did not catch you by surprise, for winter you need to prepare in advance. First, check the status of the battery. Even if it spins normally in the summer, its capacity can drop critically in the winter. Older batteries (over 3-4 years old) should be replaced before the onset of cold weather.
Be sure to switch to winter diesel at the first signs of cooling. Don’t skimp on refueling: quality fuel has the right filtrability temperature. It also makes sense to add a high-quality antigel additive to the tank at each refueling in winter.
Check the engine oil condition. For winter, synthetic oils with viscosity are ideal 0W-30 or 5W-30. They retain fluidity even at -30°C and below, providing easy scrolling of the starter. Thick mineral oil 10W-40 or 15W-40 In winter, the starter may not be able to turn the engine.
What to do is not categorically possible
In attempts to start a car, drivers often make mistakes that lead to breakdowns. Never try to start a diesel engine from a tow (on a cable). This can lead to a break of the belt of the timing due to the pull of the load on the cold engine, which will entail expensive overhaul.
⚠️ Please note: Do not use open fire (solder lamps, bonfires) directly under the car to warm up. It is fire-prone and can melt plastic parts, wiring and rubber hoses.
Also, do not spin the starter longer than 10-15 seconds without a break. This leads to overheating of the starter and deep discharge of the battery. Let the battery rest a minute between attempts. And most importantly, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to call a specialist or tow truck than to aggravate the breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I need to heat up a diesel in winter?
Modern diesel engines do not require long heating on the spot. It takes 2-3 minutes for the oil to spread through the system. After that, you can start moving at low speeds, smoothly increasing the load. Prolonged warming up on singles is harmful to the engine and increases nagaroformation.
Does adding alcohol to diesel fuel help?
Technical alcohol can bind water in fuel, preventing the formation of ice stoppers. However, ethyl alcohol can negatively affect rubber fuel system seals. It is better to use special dehydrogenousDesigned specifically for diesel fuel.
What to do if the doors and locks are frozen?
Use a glass and lock defrosting device (alcohol-based spray). Do not pour hot water on glass and seals – it will freeze instantly, making the situation worse. For locks, use graphite lubricant or special aerosols.
Can I leave a diesel car overnight in the cold?
Yes, it is possible if the car is serviceable and filled with quality winter fuel. If the forecast promises extremely low temperatures (below -25°C), it is better to put the car in the garage or use a preheater. In extreme cases, you can leave the engine running at low revs, but it is uneconomical and harmful to the environment.