Just want to set 2 things straight:

1. MISTRAL did NOT have problems with fouling spark plugs when running
on Jet A or diesel fuel, Rotary Power International from New Jersey had.
They were using standard plugs and a standard inductive ignition system.
MISTRAL will be using a new, high-energy ignition system for its future
jet-fuelled engines.  This system entirely solves the problem of carbon
fouling of the spark plugs altogether.  As a matter of fact, we
anticipate min. 1,000 hours lifetime for the spark plugs, with NO
maintenance in between changes.

2. Volkswagen among others is experimenting with a low-compression (14
compression ratio) diesel engine.  This engine is spark ignited when
cold, then compression ignited when hot.  It is kind of bridging the gap
between regular piston engines and diesels.  However, gasoline powered
piston engines cannot be made to burn diesel fuel or Jet A simply by
changing the injectors and the fuel pump.  They can't... unless you
almost totally redesign them... probably into something that looks like
this prototype Volkswagen engine.

Francois badoux

Sorry about that, Francois!!

I thought I read that somewhere in the exchanged emails. I am glad I was
mistaken!
Hell, 1000 hrs on one set of plugs! You' gonna ruin the sparkplug industry!!

Thomas J. :))

 
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