Definition
dieseling
noun
- The phenomenon in which an internal combustion engine continues to run after the ignition is turned off, caused by residual heat igniting fuel.
Usage: automotive; technical
verb
- To continue running after the ignition has been switched off (of an engine).
Usage: automotive; present participle of diesel
Examples
- The old truck was dieseling badly, continuing to sputter for several seconds after I turned off the key.
- Dieseling can damage your engine if it happens frequently.
- My car started dieseling after I switched to lower-octane fuel.
- The mechanic said the engine was dieseling because of carbon buildup in the combustion chamber.
- To prevent dieseling, make sure your fuel has the correct octane rating.
- The engine kept dieseling even after I shut it down completely.