<<  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

During WWII there was so little gasoline available that most people added a
small can to the firewall to hold gasoline and a small switching valve to
select between the can and the fuel in the tank. In the tank would be kerosene or
coal oil. So you start the engine on gasoline and warm it up. You switch to
whatever the fuel in the tank was that week, and drove to work with at least 2
other people (or you didn't get any gasoline) and once there, you switch back to
gasoline until the float bowl was full again. It was this fuel that got
people to rig up some crude water injection systems to control detonation even with
8:1 compression ratios.

Not diesels, just old cars running on no detectable octane rating fuel. But
it works. With today's electronics and injection, it should work great. You
cannot kill these people by fueling from the wrong truck. Great insurance.

Lynn E. Hanover

 
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