Start and shutdown sequencer for a diesel engine

Claim 1

A starting sequence controller for a diesel engine having a starting motor for cranking the engine, an oil priming pump for supplying pressurized oil to the engine during starting conditions, a fuel pump for pressurizing fuel to an injection pump, a means for shutting off fuel to the engine, and means for heating the fuel prior to its delivery to said injection pump, said controller comprising: means for turning on said oil priming pump prior to the initiation of the starting sequence; means for sensing the initiation of the starting sequence by the operation of a starting switch and for generating a start indication therefrom; means, responsive to said start indication, for turning said fuel pump on, for turning off said oil priming pump, and for activating a first timer which generates a first timeout indication after being activated a predetermined period of time; means, responsive to said first timeout indication, for turning on said flame heaters, for turning on said starting motor, and for turning on said fuel shutoff means, for activating a second timer which generates a second timeout indication after being activated a second period of time, and for activating a third timer which generates a third timeout indication after being activated a third period of time; means, responsive to said second timeout indication, for turning off said start indication, and for turning off said fuel shutoff means; means for determining whether the engine is operating at or above an operational speed; and means, responsive to the activity of the third timer for shutting off the heating means, and for turning off the starter motor if the engine speed is determined to be above an operational speed.