The MERCEDES-BENZ OM 403 VA - A Standard Production, Compression-Ignition, Direct-Injection Multifuel Engine

The Mercedes-Benz direct-injection diesel engine OM 403 VA resulted from the military demand for a multifuel engine based on and sharing a maximum of parts of a mass-produced commercial vehicle engine. The path of development was paved with a great many problems and setbacks, and finally lead some years ago to the standard production of this engine. A great deal of experience and information was obtained which could be of interest for the future development of multifuel engines.

The results achieved are of current significance both as regards the expected deterioration in the ignition quality of conventional diesel fuels and because of the need in the future to use alternative fuels of very poor ignition quality.