What Causes a Diesel Engine to Fail to Crank After Sitting Idle for a Long Time?
2 Answers
Diesel engine fails to crank after working for several hours, likely due to bearing seizure caused by insufficient oil. The main reasons are as follows: 1. Failure to check the oil level in the oil pan before starting, and not replenishing oil in time when it is low. 2. Incorrect operation during oil addition, leading to excessive debris entering the oil pan. 3. Using the wrong oil grade. 4. Improper starting operation causing engine reverse rotation, preventing the oil pump from functioning properly. 5. Long-term overload operation causing excessive engine temperature and reduced oil viscosity. 6. Not replacing the oil as required, continuing to use aged oil. 7. Improper clearance fit of main bearings, connecting rod bearings, and bushings. 8. Keyway damage on the oil pump shaft, causing the oil pump to malfunction.
I've been driving diesel trucks for many years. It's quite common for old vehicles to fail to start after sitting idle for a while, mainly because the internal engine lubricant dries up and parts stick together. Over time, piston rings and crankshaft bearings can rust or seize due to evaporated or dust-contaminated engine oil. The battery often loses charge too, and diesel fuel can congeal and clog the system if stabilizer isn't added. I remember my old truck had this problem after sitting in the garage for half a year. First, I'd check if the battery terminals were corroded, and charge it if there was no power. If that didn't work, I'd add some lubricant or use a blowtorch to warm up the engine. If it still wouldn't start, it was definitely due to internal rusting, requiring a professional mechanic to disassemble, clean, or replace parts. Regular maintenance is crucial—adding sufficient lubricant and keeping the battery fully charged before long periods of inactivity can at least reduce these troubles.
