Diesel Runaway Engine
Wasn't exactly sure where to post this, but this is what happens and what a runaway diesel is. I'm sure you'll get the idea. Runaway Engine
Forum Discussion
carringb wrote:
Yes and no!
Runaways are usually caused by a busted turbo oil seal, and the oil becomes the fuel. That's why those events are so smokey. Cutting the fuel does nothing, and neither does cutting power. Cutting air is the only way to stop it, but there's no way I'd want to put myself next to an engine that could spit a piston and any moment. Plus, the damage from overspeed is most likely already done.
The 2-cycle detroits did not have turbo on some models, yet they have been prone to run away. As mentioned above, I do have Fighter-Jet style switch on dashboard that drops big flapper on intake.
Those engines have injectors under valve covers and the leaks would run the engine at high rpm.
Such run away does not have much fuel, meaning the engine should be easy to stop with manual and clutch, but I agree that I would not stick around this engine for long.
Than the comments about shooting fire extinguisher into air inlet are good one.
CO2 would be the best, but whatever extinguisher you have, -it should stop the engine.
The only worry would be coaches with double air inlet.
