Abstract: In some embodiments, a controller detects a board coupling condition and performs a shutdown in response to the board coupling condition. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Precombustor 10 basically comprises electrostatic injector 12, combustion chamber 14, and glow plug 16. The precombustion chamber 14 basically comprises an injector port 40 for housing the electrostatic injector 12, an igniter port 42 for housing the glow plug 16, and a flow passage 44 substantially opposite the injector port 40 for conveying air into the precombustion chamber 14 and combusted gases out from the precombustion chamber 14. The combustion chamber 14 is enhanced by the incorporation of electrical insulation 46 and electrodes 48 along the interior wall of the precombustion chamber 14. The electrostatic fuel injector 12 basically comprises an electroconductive injector body 20 having at least one fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet, means 22 and 23 for electrically insulating the injector body from the diesel engine, and a means 24 for charging the injector body in a range from about 10,000 to about 100,000 volts.