Engine Valve Openings

[alec]

My single cylinder diesel does not have glow plugs. It does however have the facility for an extra splash of diesel. I am not sure what this does to help cold starting though I do think it helps. It starts very easily in the summer.

In this recent cold weather I have found that a hair dryer aimed down the air intake for about five minutes also helps greatly.

My question is :-

Would it help if the inlet valve was open while I use the hairdryer to warm up the cylinder and how can I tell when it is open ? I can turn the engine over with my hands on the pulleys/belt. I can certainly feel the compression but get confused what to do next. I seem to remember something about different camshaft/crankshaft speeds and overlapping valve timings etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[VicS]

If you can feel when it reaches the top of the compression stroke then the induction stroke starts one full revolution from there. At some point during the following half a revolution the inlet valve will open fully.
So warm things up first and continue blowing hot air in while turning it slowly through that half a rev.

That is my attempt to answer your question but I have no idea whether it will help.

 

[mtb]

sounds like you have low compression ! perhaps a straightforwards ring change will help and not break the bank

I had a hillman imp years ago, the only way to get it started was to pour a kettle of water over the manifold lol

mick

 

[saltwater_gypsy]

I have seen boat engines with an electric air pre-heater installed in the inlet manifold to help cold starting. It looks a simple modification and works well. I cant remember the supplier but I reckon you can still get them

 

[rob2]

That brings back memories of a Ford Anglia with low compression - a common fault! I used to grill the spark plugs alongside my toast and she'd go first time. Happily, the body collapsed soon after, solving the problem of a permanent cure.

Whatever you do, I would advise against trying any of the starter sprays - they are so explosive they can knock out bearings. If your technique for priming is as per book, then the engine should start. I'm running a Sole Mini14 - 20 year old, Mitsubishi based and I don't believe for a moment that the glow plugs still work. Maybe I should fit new ones? In cold weather, about ten seconds cranking gets her going (albeit on full throttle).
Rob.