Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method of operation employing timed injection of water into the combustion chamber for one or a combination of recapturing waste heat, cooling the engine, and lowering Nox emissions of the engine. The water injection subsequent to the power stroke of the engine employs residual heat and heat conducted from surfaces of the combustion chamber, to form steam to drive a second power stroke. The water injection can also be employed to pre-cool the combustion chamber to avoid formation of Nox gases during fuel combustion and by recapturing residual and conductive heat from the combustion chamber the engine is cooled thereby minimizing or eliminating exterior cooling system requirements.