Why Can't Diesel Ignite?
2 Answers
Diesel cannot ignite due to its high ignition point. Here are the specific details about diesel: 1. Composition: Diesel is a light petroleum product, a complex mixture of hydrocarbons (carbon atoms approximately 10-22), used as fuel for diesel engines. It is mainly blended from diesel fractions produced through processes such as crude oil distillation, catalytic cracking, thermal cracking, hydrocracking, and petroleum coking; it can also be obtained from shale oil processing and coal liquefaction. 2. Classification: It is divided into two main categories: light diesel (boiling point range approximately 180-370°C) and heavy diesel (boiling point range approximately 350-410°C). It is widely used in large vehicles, railway locomotives, and ships. The most important properties of diesel are its ignition quality and fluidity.
When I used to drive a diesel car, I often encountered starting problems, which could be caused by several factors. First, the fuel system might be the issue, such as insufficient diesel in the tank, a faulty fuel pump, or clogged fuel lines—especially if the car hasn't been driven for a long time, as water in the fuel can settle and affect ignition. Second, the battery might be weak, providing insufficient starting current, particularly in winter when battery performance drops significantly. Air supply is another problem; a dirty air filter can block airflow, preventing the engine from getting enough air to ignite. Additionally, glow plug failures are quite common. Diesel engines rely on glow plugs to warm up during cold starts, and if they fail, the car becomes difficult to start. I recommend checking the fuel level before each trip and regularly replacing the battery and cleaning the filter to avoid many issues. If the car won't start, avoid forcing it, as this can damage the engine. Instead, tow it to a professional repair shop to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Safety first, prevention is key.
