power to open and close the fuel injectors. If a battery is of a sufficiently discharged state that it cannot provide the power to turn an automobile self starter then it may also not be possible to activate the injectors. The most common method to start such a vehicle engine is to jump start it. A fuel pump is used for fuel injection. It can be mechanically driven or electrically driven. If electrical then the same problem may arise which the battery cannot turn the pump because it is heavily discharged. A carburetor only needs suction from the internal combustion engine to work best when push starting. Once the engine is running, a fuel pump (mechanical or electrical) will continue to supply fuel to the carburetor. Carburetor engines may damage the catalytic converter by fuel when cranked longer without igniting fuel or electrical controlling the carburetor. Ignition systems A modern gasoline engine contains an electronic ignition system which precisely times the electrical pulse to the spark plug. The advantage of such a device is that it can deliver a full power electrical pulse to the spark plugs even when the alternator is turning very slowly (as in push starting a motor). The outdated method of a mechanically timed ignition system is that it cannot deliver a full electrical pulse at very low engine revolutions per minute (RPM). This may affect the ease of push starting an engine to life. History In the early 20th century, many motorcycles could only be push started; the 1908 Scott was distinguished by introducing a kick starter feature. Excelsior Motor Company's Welbike, intended to be carried by paratroopers in World War II, was designed to be started only by push starting. References Motorcycle engines Starting systems