Method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine

A method for starting a primary engine using an exhaust gas stream from an auxiliary engine includes the steps of conducting the exhaust gas stream from the auxiliary engine to an air induction system of the primary engine, adding fresh air to the exhaust stream, and reducing the pressure of the exhaust stream before it arrives at the air induction system. An apparatus for starting a primary engine using an exhaust gas stream from an auxiliary engine includes a means for conducting the exhaust gas stream from the auxiliary engine to an air induction system of the primary engine, a means for adding fresh air to the exhaust gas stream before the stream arrives at the air induction system, and a means for reducing the exhaust gas stream pressure to prevent back pressuring of the exhaust system of the auxiliary engine, or over-pressurizing the air induction system of the primary engine. The means for conducting the exhaust gas stream from the auxiliary engine to the air induction system is typically a conduit, such as a system of piping, or manifolds. The means for adding fresh air to the exhaust gas stream, as well as the means for reducing the exhaust stream pressure, is typically a check valve. The invention also includes a system for starting a primary engine which includes an auxiliary engine and a conduit in fluid communication with an exhaust gas stream of the auxiliary engine and an air induction system of the primary engine. The system also includes a check valve in fluid communication with the conduit.