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 car was dieselling badly, continuing to sputter for several seconds after I turned off the key.
- Dieselling can damage your engine if it happens frequently.
- Modern fuel injectors help prevent dieselling in newer vehicles.
- The engine kept dieselling even after we shut it down.
- Poor fuel quality sometimes causes dieselling in older cars.