Basic Questions
 

1. are there popular commercial diesel engine about 2 to 3 hp for model aircraft? What are the prices?

2. is diesel more fuel efficient in the above category? if so, by how much?

3. what are the typical fuel mixture?

RE: Basic Questions
 

1. No

2. n/a

3. Paraffin - 40%
Ether - 35
Castor - 23
IPN - 2 (Iso Propyl Nitrate, Amyl nitrate/nitrate (stinks and is dangerous) and others...)

I will stand corrected on points 1 & 2: point 3 is down to engine type and personal preference. I have found the above fuel is a good compromise for a run-in, ball raced engine. PAWs (and Sharmas?) like more oil. I have run PAWs on 33% each, no IPN, successfully.

Paraffin (kerosene) has a higher calorific value than methanol, so it should liberate more energy in combustion. Having said that, the engines I have converted from glow to diesel tend (at this time) to perform better as glows. Maybe I do not yet have the fuel optimised, but I will persevere since I like diesels.

The biggest commercial diesel I know of is the MVVS 61, however, messrs Davis of Davis Diesels and AJ Coholic both do conversions, which are very effective and may fit larger engines - certainly 91s.

As with all questions of this nature your mileage will vary, but persevere - diesels are entertaining if smelly things - you will always attract a crowd at the flying field when you start one up.

RE: Basic Questions
 

The Super Tigre 4500 Diesel conversion may produce that kind of power and would burn about 1/2 as much fuel as its glow counter-part. Davis Diesel Ball Bearing fuel would be the best fuel for the 4500.