Diesel engines rely on the ______ to ignite the fuel.

Prepare for the City of Miami Fire Department Driver-Engineer Exam. Review multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Succeed on your test!

Multiple Choice

Diesel engines rely on the ______ to ignite the fuel.

Explanation:
Diesel engines ignite the fuel by the heat generated when air is compressed. When air is drawn in and compressed to a very high pressure, its temperature rises to a level that can cause the injected diesel fuel to vaporize and auto-ignite. This self-ignition happens without a spark or electric ignition system, which is why diesel engines don’t use spark plugs. Autogenous (auto) ignition describes the self-ignition process, but the essential driver in diesel operation is the heat of compression that brings the air to ignition temperature.

Diesel engines ignite the fuel by the heat generated when air is compressed. When air is drawn in and compressed to a very high pressure, its temperature rises to a level that can cause the injected diesel fuel to vaporize and auto-ignite. This self-ignition happens without a spark or electric ignition system, which is why diesel engines don’t use spark plugs. Autogenous (auto) ignition describes the self-ignition process, but the essential driver in diesel operation is the heat of compression that brings the air to ignition temperature.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy