Performance and Emissions of a DDC 8V-71 Engine Fueled with Cetane Improved Methanol

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility, performance, and emissions of a Detroit Diesel Corporation 8V-71 transit bus engine using ignition-improved methanol as fuel. Major objectives to be achieved by the study were: 1) to determine the minimum amount of ignition improver required for acceptable engine operation; and 2) to compare the exhaust emissions with ignition-improver methanol to emissions with diesel fuel. The engine was tested for emissions using the transient and 13-mode emission procedures and for smoke using the Federal smoke test. In addition to measurement of regulated emissions and smoke, cylinder pressure traces were obtained and compared with pressure traces from operation on diesel fuel. Minimum modifications were made to the engine in adapting it for operation on the methanol/additive mixture.