METHOD OF OPERATING LOW COMPRESSION TYPE MULTICYLINDER TYPE DIESEL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE SUPERCHARGED BY EXHAUST-GAS TURBO-SUPERCHARGER

A method of operating and exhaust-gas-turbocharged, low-compression multi-cylinder Diesel-cycle internal combustion engine that has a first cylinder group which operates over the full load range, and a second cylinder group which is cut out during starting and in the idling and part load ranges but is cut in in the remaining load range, each cylinder group having associated with it a turbocharger with associated charge air pipe, the charge air pipes being interconnected by a pressure equalizing system. To improve the starting and part load behavior, and/or permit good acceleration behavior from the lower idle to rated output (to reduce emission of noxious substances in the exhaust gas), pressure equalization between the two charge air pipes is interrupted during the cylinder cutout mode - during starting as well as in the lower load and speed ranges - and is restored in the upper load range by a load-responsive device, and at the same time the intake air for the firing cylinders is preheated during the cylinder cutout mode by means known per se.