1. Diesel Engine Starting Methods

2. Why electric motor starting is not so popular?

Because if started and motor gear doesn’t disengage from flywheel then it will rotate with engine and get burn.

Medium & high powered engines are started with compressed air to a sufficient speed for operation on fuel
To achieve this, engines are fitted with Starting air valves controlled by a Distributor
Distributor is to ensure:
- air is introduced into relevant cylinder in correct time
- starting of engine in a desired direction
- staring of engine from any position of rest
Starting sequence is same as the firing order of the engine
Air is usually introduced slightly after TDC during the power stroke
Air admission is stopped before opening of exhaust valve
Overlapping is provided to ensure positive starting in correct direction and from any position of the engine