One-kick/crank engines?
Posted by Ricgormortism@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Hey guys, I’ve been pondering upon this question for a while now without getting anywhere.
For context, I’m not a qualified mechanic but I’ve dabbled in the automotive industry and have a passion for cars and anything mechanical.
So the question is, what makes an engine to one-kick/crank start? Particularly engines like the ones found in J90 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 1KZ and J80 Land Cruiser 1HD.
Does it have something to do with the starter? Compression ratio? Or just the general design of the engine itself?
Thanks in advance for feeding my curiosity!
voucher420@reddit
My Crown Victoria would barely need to turn over once before it came to life.
Ricgormortism@reddit (OP)
Nice, have you any thoughts on why it does that while other engines need a few more to do the job?
voucher420@reddit
Probably because it was part of the tuning. It was an old interceptor and starring quickly would be a benefit for the police. I wouldn’t be surprised with the higher idle rpm, advanced timing curve and transmission programming, they would add a little bit of extra fuel on start up.
Dedward5@reddit
In the UK usually l smaller capacity 4cyl (so under 1.8l) non-turbos usually start instantly. My 20+ year old Audi A2 beater 1.4 petrol starts faultlessly.
Ricgormortism@reddit (OP)
Thanks for sharing!
Do you mean they can one-kick start as well?
Pimp_Daddy_Patty@reddit
In my experience in tuning various engines, it's usually engines with good low RPM torque. Such engines typically have smaller intake ports or low lift cam(s) that create good intake velocity at low rpm, which helps atomize fuel better.
Ricgormortism@reddit (OP)
Huh never thought of it that way, that’s interesting!
Would you happen to know if it’s something that’s replicable with a 1KD as well?
Pimp_Daddy_Patty@reddit
Unfortunately, no. I believe that's a diesel, so this might be more related to injection setup.
Ricgormortism@reddit (OP)
Yeah, definitely will need to look into the injectors used for each of those engines; as well as their starters to know what’s what.
Sweet_Speech_9054@reddit
Engines tuned for low rpm, high compression ratios, and relatively small or have a large powerful starter.
Ricgormortism@reddit (OP)
Yup I thought about a larger more powerful starter too. Just that the engines I mentioned aren’t too small but compared to a big V8, then yeah they’re small.