Does a diesel run without electricity?

[PDBreske]

Obviously, it needs a battery to start and an alternator to recharge the battery, but will a typical diesel engine run without them once it's started? I'm just curious.

I'm not talking about the ancillary systems like engine gauges and lights, just the running of the engine itself.

[bansil]

Yes and no
If it is mechanically injected with no electronics then yes once it is started only way to shut it off is to kill the fuel to it...good example is good old army 2 1/2 tons...to stop it you had to pull fuel shut off lever to let it basically run out of fuel.
If it has electric anything ecm injectors etc it will not run with out "\:-_+l
Disclaimer:this is a generic answer so all panties can stay unwadded

[syke]

bansil pretty much covered it.

My only addition is in a "runaway" situation. No electricity needed.

Both my bus and land rover are quote un quote 1 wire diesels. Mechanical injection, once started they keep on running. I love basic diesel setups.

[bus-bro]

My engine has a solenoid that needs power to fuel the engine. At least that's how I think it works.

[syke]

Originally Posted by bus-bro

My engine has a solenoid that needs power to fuel the engine. At least that's how I think it works.

I hear ya there. My 300tdi had an electric fuel solenoid. It was part of the alarm/immobilizer system.

[chev49]

sometimes they go bad, and u gotta manually start the engine. (and order another one)