Development of Methanol Lean Burn System

A methanol fueled, lean burn system has been developed to improve both specific fuel consumption and NOx emissions.

A 1.6L four-cylinder engine with increased compression ratio has been used to develop this system. Three major components of the Toyota Lean Combustion System (T-LCS) have been applied:

1. (1)
   A helical port with a swirl control valve
2. (2)
   A lean mixture sensor
3. (3)
   Timed, multi-point fuel injection.

A 2250 lb. Inertia Weight test vehicle has been fitted with this engine, and fuel system materials have been modified.

This methanol, lean burn system has improved the fuel economy by about 12% still satisfying the 1986 emission standards of the U.S.A. and Japan. Aldehyde emissions have also been evaluated.