Cold starting tests on a methanol fuelled spark ignition engine

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · SAE Spec. Publ.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4271/831175· OSTI ID:6795545

Gardiner, D P; Bardon, M F

The present cold starting performance of methanol fuelled spark ignition engines is poor compared to their gasoline counterparts. Apparatus has been developed to cold soak a small engine to temperatures as low as -65/sup 0/C. Tests have been conducted using methanol, Indolene and sample of commercial gasoline of depressed volatility. Data are provided showing the effect of fuel-air ratio on minimum starting temperature for the three fuels. Methanol failed to start at temperatures below about 0/sup 0/C whereas the Indolene started easily to below -45/sup 0/C. Reid Vapour Pressure is shown to be ineffective as a predictor of cold starting performance for methanol.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 6795545
• Journal Information: SAE Spec. Publ.; (United States), Journal Name: SAE Spec. Publ.; (United States) Vol. SP-548; ISSN SAESA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330101* -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Spark-Ignition
ALCOHOL FUELS
COMBUSTION PROPERTIES
ENGINES
FUEL-AIR RATIO
FUELS
HEAT ENGINES
IGNITION
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
METHANOL FUELS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
SYNTHETIC FUELS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
TESTING