THIS PAPER reports progress in a current research program on the use of secondary fuels as ignition promoters, to aid cold-weather starting of diesel engines.
The best method, the authors report, is to supply ether to the intake manifold in vapor form. The amount of ether reaching the manifold can be controlled easily, and any condensed vapor is carried along by the cold intake air. Thus, the difficulties resulting from ether accumulation are prevented.
There is a minimum starting temperature for each engine type, even with the vapor introduction of ether. Therefore, further work is needed to assure cold starting in all engines.