A Multifuel Combustion System for High Performance Prechamber Diesels

Two high specific output diesel engines designed for the Military -- the LVDS-1100 and LDS-750 engines, which are of V-8 and 5-cyl in-line configuration, respectively -- were developed by Caterpillar Tractor Co. under contract with U.S. Army Tank Automotive Center at Detroit Arsenal.

This paper covers the development work, also sponsored by ATAC, required to adapt these engines for operation using regular grade gasoline in addition to the diesel and CIE fuels for which they were originally designed. Test techniques used, a description of some interesting combustion systems tried, and data obtained with the selected arrangement are included.

The engine has excellent performance and starting characteristics with any of the three fuels.