Patent ID: 6164258
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: F02P

Abstract:
A method of starting a diesel cycle engine having a plurality of glow plugs comprising the steps of:measuring the voltage to be applied to the glow plugs;calculating a pre-glow time necessary to apply a predetermined number of Watts to the glow plugs to raise the glow plug to an operating temperature;applying current to the glow plugs for the calculated pre-glow time while simultaneously locking out the starter circuit to prevent premature starting attempts;initiating engine starter and fuel supply systems after the required pre-glow time has been reached, to begin engine operation;calculating the time required to provide a predetermined after glow pulse of predetermined wattage to the glow plugs after the pre-glow time to maintain the glow plugs at an optimal operating temperature;applying current to individual glow plugs in sequence for the calculated time for a predetermined after glow time to help the engine start and reduce the pollutants generated during the initial few minutes of run time while maintaining a nearly constant current flow;activating a latching circuit upon cessation of the after glow time which prevents reinitiating of the pre-glow cycle for a predetermined period but allows the controller to energize the plugs in the after glow mode should the starter be activated while the protection timer is active.