The flame-start system is a cold start aid for starting

diesel engine The diesel engine, named after Rudolf Diesel, is an internal combustion engine in which ignition of the fuel is caused by the elevated temperature of the air in the cylinder due to mechanical compression; thus, the diesel engine is a so-ca ...

s at low ambient temperatures. It reduces the white smoke emission after the engine is started. In addition, it reduces the strain on the

starter motor A starter (also self-starter, cranking motor, or starter motor) is a device used to rotate (crank) an internal-combustion engine so as to initiate the engine's operation under its own power. Starters can be electric, pneumatic, or hydrauli ...

and

batteries Battery most often refers to: * Electric battery, a device that provides electrical power * Battery (crime), a crime involving unlawful physical contact Battery may also refer to: Energy source *Automotive battery, a device to provide power t ...

by shortening the start-up time. Usually the suction intake air is heated up in commercial vehicles to improve the starting capacity and emissions. The heating power requirement in large capacity diesel engines leads here to the use of flame starting systems, with a small diesel burner in the air intake acting as a heater.

References

{{Reflist Starting systems Diesel engine components