PURPOSE: To start an engine positively in a simple manner so as to eliminate a need for the stepping of an accelerator pedal before starting for improving operations in case of starting the diesel engine by holding a torque cam at an increasing position in fuel feeding.

CONSTITUTION: The time when the cranking is started with a starter motor actuated, is detected by a cranking start detecting means 16. And a signal is outputted from a start control means 19 to a torque cam hold means 18 based on the start of the cranking so as to check the rotation of a torque cam for holding the torque cam at the position for an increase in fuel feeding. On the other hand, the time when an engine speed exceeds a specified value, is detected by an engine speed detecting means 17 so as to output a signal from the start control means 19 to the torque cam hold means 18 for releasing the check of the torque cam rotation. This allows the torque cam to be held at the position for an increase in fuel feeding in case of starting an engine so as to start the engine positively in a simple manner.