Stupid Question

[dwpayne]

Why do diesels have two batteries under the hood?

[HAM_RADIO_MAN]

The current demands for getting these engines started are HUGE. There is a pretty big load from the glow plugs to preheat the system. Then you must still have enough juice left to rotate a high compression engine several hundred RPMs to get it started. Lastly as you are doing all of this, there needs to be enough power on tap to run the electronics that fire the injectors and run/ monitor the engine. From the perspective of a gas engine all you need to do is rotate the low compression engine and make a tiny little spark.

[dazdillenger]

Takes a LOT more current to start a diesel. However, The e-series have one large battery.

[dwpayne]

Thanks I don't feel stupid anymore.