One thing I am not clear on here guys...

#1 - I thought our model diesels did not burn like the glow fuel, and the squish band (which basically is there to force the fuel and air mix into the combustion chamber) and angles werent important or as important.
#2 - relating to this, how many purpose built diesels have squish band style, domed combustion chambers? umm? Most I know have a slightly domed piston and a corresponding concave contrapiston or something similar.
#3 - I have built many of my own conversions that used a contra that was the same bore as the cylinder (like a purpose built diesel), therefore it was inpossible to have a squish band. They ran great. None ran hot.
#4 - in my own heads that use a contra which is a smaller diameter than the cyinder bore, I have NEVER used an angled squish band... and so far I am having no issues with overheating. Some of you guys have more than one of my heads - if there IS a problem with the design I would like to hear about it, but this is news to me... maybe this is particular to cetain engines?

In the glow ignition engine, the design of the combustion chamber, squaish band area, volume and angle will certainly affect the way the engine "burns" - but ignition is taking place at the coil of the pug. The design of the head can very much influence the way combustion takes place and a small change in the head design can greatly affect the performance.

In the model diesel engine, it seems that allmost "anything" goes (to a point) and as long as there is adequate compression to ignite the mix, the actual design of the head does not seem to have a great effect on the engines ultimate performance. Comments?

I too like to dabble in things mechanical, especially the model engine. I would encourage anyone to try out this stuff, it is fun! And satisfying.


AJC