Which of these is a possible diesel engine problem caused by low air temperature? Pick the best TWO answers. The fuel will not ignite in the cylinder The pressure in the cylinder may become excessive There will be excessive condensation at the charge air cooler More air needs to be supplied to the engine
Answer (1)
Diesel engines operate on the principle of compression ignition, where air is compressed to a high temperature before fuel is injected. The process relies heavily on the properties of air and fuel at different temperatures.
Here are the two most relevant problems caused by low air temperature in a diesel engine:
The fuel will not ignite in the cylinder:
When temperatures are low, the compressed air in the cylinder may not reach the required temperature to ignite the injected diesel fuel. Diesel engines rely on a minimum temperature within the cylinder to ensure combustion. Cold air can reduce this temperature, leading to difficulties in starting the engine as the fuel fails to ignite properly.
There will be excessive condensation at the charge air cooler:
In colder climates or conditions, the charge air cooler, which helps reduce the temperature of the intake air, can cause moisture from the air to condense. This excessive condensation can result in water buildup, affecting engine performance and efficiency as water vapor mixes with fuel air mixture, disrupting the combustion process.
Understanding these issues is crucial, particularly in engineering fields dealing with engine design and maintenance, to ensure efficient operation of diesel engines in varying environmental conditions.
