Diesel?

[RecycleBill]

I've never been a fan of 2 cycle engines but in years gone by I drove a million miles or more behind the wheels of several 2 cycle diesel trucks of the 6-71 and 8-71 Detroit Diesel variety. And when I was a kid my grandfather had an International engine that cranked on gasoline then was switched over to diesel after it was warmed up. It was used to run his sawmill.

Has anyone ever tried to convert one of these chinese 2 strokes from gas to diesel? I'm sure a glow plug would be required along with some changes in the way the air/fuel mix is delivered to the cylnder but it seems it might could be made to work.

[2door]

Bill,
I'm sure you remember diesel model airplane motors. They were strong runners but a little temperamental when it came to cold starts. My dad and I had a couple of them and he used to warm them with his cigarette lighter on cold days before flipping the prop. It would be an interesting project not to mention the smell from the exhaust. There has been some discussion here but to my knowledge no one has done a successful conversion. Keep us informed if you try it.
Tom

[robin]

Do they require a high rate of compression like 15 to 1 ? in order to get heat ? if so can the Chinese engine deliver it ?

[2door]

You'll just need a bigger cigarette lighter.
Tom

[GearNut]

Originally Posted by 2door

You'll just need a bigger cigarette lighter.
Tom

*carries MAPP gas torch in back pocket*

[RecycleBill]

Originally Posted by robin

Do they require a high rate of compression like 15 to 1 ? in order to get heat ? if so can the Chinese engine deliver it ?

A cold diesel does require very high compression rates and without a doubt the Chinese engine would burst apart if you raised the compression that high. But a hot diesel engine will run on very low compression rates-- as low as gas engines. That's why a good glow plug like those used on Ford 7.3 liter diesels (Think F-450) or MB diesel cars would be needed.

If one can manage the correct air/fuel ratio then smell and smoke won't be a big issue. And if it will run on regular diesel then it will run on bio diesel and will smell like french fries.

Might be just the thing for someone wanting to motorize his or her bicycle catering cart.

[TheOtherStyle]

Well they do already have small 1cyl diesels, I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to adapt one to a bicycle in one form or another.

I saw a motorcycle in one of the bike magazines that was hydraulically driven by a small diesel. I can't find the link right now or I'd share it with you guys.

However check this out DieselBike.net The Original Diesel Motorcycle website.

[Kevlarr]

Like 2-door said this was discussed before and the consensus was that either you would have to run them on model airplane "diesel" fuel which isn't (it's mainly lamp fuel, castor oil, ether and expensive to make and even more so to buy, like $30 a gallon) because the motor couldn't handle the compression needed to run on actual diesel, bio or otherwise.

[RecycleBill]

Originally Posted by Kevlarr

... because the motor couldn't handle the compression needed to run on actual diesel, bio or otherwise.

Does anyone know the actual compression ratio of the Chinese 2 strokes? I ask this because I've seen other gasoline engines with around 8-1 compression ratios operate on diesel. Take any old carbed car engine, get it hot, close off the gas line and start pouring diesel in it and it will run. Not well, but it will run.

Again, the trick is not in running the engine but in getting it to start. Which can be done with glow plugs.

And would diesel fuel or bio diesel provide adequate lubrication?

[bandito]

Google alibabba diesel one cylinder engines........I made an ass out of myself with grandiose plans not knowig the intricacies of importation and customs into the USA.....the single deisel single cylinder engines you seek are there.