I do not see the connection with pinball machines, unless it's a backup group to power a very big gameroom
Usually, to launch large diesel, it is like the turbine: high pressure compressed air is injected to run the engine. For a cold start, you first start a compressor and fill a tank with compressed air. At the same time, the fuel is preheated. Only then, the air is sent to the engine and the fuel is injected.
But as each group can have specificities, it is better to follow the manual and the manufacturer's procedure.