I read the wiki on diesels, and I think I read that if a diesel is
running, then it doesn't need a spark (e.g., battery energy) to keep
running. If that's the case, then it seems like you should be able to
start a diesel by hand, assuming you have the muscle or leverage. So, in
the former case, even if your battery died - perhaps got wet and shorted
out - then the engine would keep running. In the latter situation if the
battery was already dead, you might be able to crank it to start it.

--
Nom=de=Plume

Depends on the diesel. When I was a commercial diver, we had Lister single
piston diesel engines for dive air compressors. We hand cranked them, and
there was not one wire on them. Boy, the new three cylinder Perkins with
the air start were a sweet change! But I have started that Perkins by hand
more than twice. Just get up enough rpm before you throw the lever.

Steve

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