How to Adjust a Heavy Diesel Engine Hand Crank?
2 Answers
Diesel engine hand crank being heavy is usually due to the oil viscosity not meeting the requirements. Simply replacing the engine oil can solve the problem. Here are some introductions about diesel engines: 1. Precautions: Pay attention to the timing of oil changes. The timing of oil changes is generally based on mileage and time. For example, conventional mineral oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or six months, semi-synthetic oil every 7,500 kilometers, and full synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers. 2. Oil Selection: Choose good engine oil. In terms of oil types, the most common on the market currently are semi-synthetic and full synthetic oils. This is because modern car engine technology is increasingly advanced, requiring higher quality engine oil. Comparatively, full synthetic oil is of higher quality.
I've worked on diesel engines myself before, and the manual crank start can feel heavy for several reasons. Diesel engines naturally have a high compression ratio, exceeding 20 atmospheres, making it feel like pushing a boulder. When temperatures are too low, the lubricating oil thickens, increasing friction and making it even harder to crank. Common solutions include adjusting the valve clearance: locate the engine top cover, loosen the adjustment screw with a wrench, and set it to the standard value specified in the manual—too large or too small affects compression pressure. If the machine has a decompression valve, pull the decompression lever before starting to temporarily release compression, making cranking much easier. Alternatively, check if the engine oil is sufficient, as poor-quality oil increases wear and resistance inside. Preheating the engine also helps, such as using a hot air blower to warm the engine for about ten minutes. Regular maintenance is best—changing oil and filters and performing preventive checks on the valve system and lubrication circuit. Wear thick gloves when working to avoid wrist strain; after all, manual starting carries risks. I often encountered similar issues when I worked at a repair shop in my hometown during my younger days.