DIESEL ENGINES: Let's spend a minute talking about how a diesel system operates. As we can see in the diagram here, as the ignition switch is turned to the on position the diesel engine uses the glow plugs to warm the cylinders before the car will start. Once the cylinders are warm, the ignition switch can be turned and car will start. As the car is started fuel enters the cylinders and the heat and pressure in the cylinders ignite the fuel without the use of a spark plug This explosion forces the piston down and makes power in the engine. Changing the oil and filter at the manufacturers specified intervals is of critical importance for a diesel engine.
