Spark Ignition Engine Cold Starting with Methanol-Based Fuel Blends

Methanol fuelled spark ignition engines have poor low- temperature starting capabilities. Since the problem is one of fundamental volatility, blending volatile additives with methanol can improve cold starting. In this study, minimum starting temperatures were determined for neat methanol, a 90% methanol fuel blend and seven 85% methanol fuel blends. The carburetted engine was from a 1.6 litre Escort produced for operation on methanol-based fuels. Starting was possible below −35° C with some of the M85 fuels. Instances of stalling during the engine acceleration from cranking to idle speed were found to be due to lean excursions in the fuel/air ratios delivered to the cylinders. M85 fuels primed with n-butane required the least cranking time before starting.