There has been considerable delay in the development of small-size, portable diesel engines compared with gasoline engines. This is due primarily to difficulty in overcoming such disadvantages as low power-to-weight ratio, hard starting in cold weather, and generally difficult operation.
This has been the situation despite the fact that the diesel engine offers several important advantages, such as operation with low-cost, readily available fuels, low specific fuel consumption at partial power, reliable operation in adverse environments, and the reduction of fire hazard when using low-volatility fuels.
The Honda Motor Co., taking advantage of experience and knowledge acquired with high-performance gasoline engines, has developed a lightweight, air-cooled, 9 hp diesel engine that overcomes most of the shortcomings of the small size diesel engine.
This was accomplished by giving special attention to the design of the accessories essential to the operation of the engine so that the engine and accessories can be combined to form a complete and integrated powerplant.