I found a research paper on the web last night where they were experimenting with various heated catalytic elements. I think the fuel was methane gas but I know it wasn't methanol. Anyway the best catalytic elements ignited the gas at a lower temperature than it's normal ignition temperature. I think the best element ignited it at 360 degrees C. So I guess this is why some have reported engines igniting without a glow driver. A hot day, warm engine, and high compression could possibly heat the fuel mixture to that temperature. Keep in mind the catalytic element did not initiate the reaction, it just oriented the atoms so that combustion is more easily accomplished.