Auxiliary apparatus for starting a diesel engine

An apparatus for use in starting a diesel engine having at least one glow plug energized by actuation of an ignition switch having a first position for connecting said apparatus to a voltage source and a second position for starting the diesel engine, said apparatus comprising:

• preheating means responsive to the first position of said ignition switch for passing current to each said glow plug for a predetermined time period, said current being of a first level sufficient for heating each said glow plug relatively quickly;
• after-glow means responsive to the second position of said ignition switch for passing a second level of current below said first level for maintaining the temperature of each said glow plug during starting of said diesel engine;
• and
• heat maintenance means responsive to said first position of said ignition switch for passing a level of current below said first level to each said glow plug for maintaining the temperature thereof if said ignition switch should be kept in its first position for a time period longer than said predetermined time period of said preheating means.