Abstract: A compression ignited, spark ignited, or surface ignited engine single or multi-cylinder low temperature starting system is positioned permanently or temporarily in the intake system during the engine starting and warming-up period for an extremely cold temperature engine condition. The low temperature starting system for these engine types is capable of starting on a wide variety of liquid fuels, E.G., high or low fuel volatility, high or low fuel boiling range and gaseous fuels. A pre-heat device which is fuel fired, electrically heated, chemically heated, heated by thermal storage or other means is used to pre-heat the air or air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: A lightweight back-pack generator set having a spark-ignited engine operating on middle distillate fuels (e.g., JP-5, JP-8 and F-34) has been provided. The generator set includes a back-pack frame; an alternator; and a spark-ignited combustion engine adapted to operate on a middle distillate fuel. The engine uses a preheater for heating the intake manifold to facilitate start-up operation of the engine. The present invention also provides a simple and inexpensive method for converting a spark-ignited gasoline engine to operate on a middle distillate fuel for providing a lightweight engine suitable for driving an alternator, a portable generator, or other portable equipment.