To optimize the cold start process of a 4-stroke, 8 cylinder Diesel engine, a dynamic simulation model from cranking to idle speed is developed. Physically-based first order starter motor dynamics are used to model the performance of starting process which is very complex. These equations are solved using numerical schemes(Petzold-Gear BDF method) to describe the starting process of diesel engine and to study the effects of starting parameters. The validity of this model is examined by start test. This model can be served as a tool for computer aided control systems design to improve cold improve cold start performance.