Diesel power plant

50lbs isn't too bad for a diesel I guess. At school last semester a guy put a diesel like that except bigger with a CVT on a road motorcycle, I think it was around 15HP. It was a pretty cool ride.
 
I'm copying this into the Alternative Engines thread.

Usefully, UK moped regs permit the use of non spark ignition engines up to 4kw output, regardless of cc provided they're in a trike or quad, and the vehicle complies with all relevat moped regulations.
 
Would you have to plug it in and let it warm up before riding in cold weather? :)

I remember diesel model airplane engines my Dad and I had when I was but a wee lad. Man, were those things hard to start. But, after you got them running they were cool little engines. They also had a great smell to their exhaust. Not as good as Castor oil, but interesting.

Tom
 
That is a good question, whether they have a proper 12v heater plug for cold starts, or the terrible old enrichichment type arrangement that you knocked over to run the moment it started.

Perhaps there/s a manual advance like on older diesel VWs?
 
they are started with decompression valve opened and preferably spun with electric start motor (tried on generator once with same basic engine to pull, almost broke 3 different peoples shoulders) and decomp valve closed once up to speed , very smoky at first, but give 5 minutes and practically fumeless. mind you that was running agri deisel, dont know about regular. starting would be samae on this.
 
no prob trey, alot of people think these are same as cars and big deisels but forget to think about battery size and drainage, starting one of these start without a heater plug almost deadens a good bike battery in 2 attempts wouldn't happen if a heater plug is added due to extreme compression, read compression in link, very high compared to petrol.
 
These small engines are direct injection hence no glow plugs. They are not difficult to start except in the coldest conditions, I worked for a Hatz dealer for a while working on engines of all sizes and ages. Many were crank/pull start only. The crank models(earlier) had a compression release that worked off the valve train like a clock work. It advanced one click per revolution until it kicked off, the engine immediately started. The later ones were pull starts. I have not had hands on one of the smaller framed diesels like this one.
I suspect its going to be quite a vibrator.
A motorcycle frame is up to the task, to base a diesel build around a bicycle frame is asking for it. A fully built custom frame would be necessary for sure.
Not trying to be negative only pointing out facts. With compression ratios in the twenties the power strokes are on the severe side. When a diesel is coupled with something lie a generator or water pump the mass tends to dampen the strokes. In something light its not pleasant.
I rebuilt a number of the older Hatz engines under contract for the Military. I hat to run them with out the pump but on a pump frame. You had to wedge them between 4 concrete blocks to keep the engine from walking all over the run area. Was a different matter when hooked to the pump assembly for the final test. I see many diesel M/C conversions for sale, must not be as cool as the builder thought?
I love diesels and have driven them for years, and in fact still have one of the older 6/8hp Hatz I have been saving for a boat build. As I said I haven't had hand on one of the smaller ones. Hopefully Im wrong. Somebody buy one and lets see. A diesel "bike" would be way cool.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top