I read somewhere that the 617 engine was used to power generators before it was used in the wonder cars, I also share your enthusiasm about diesel engines large or small. Volvo made a beaut 1 cylinder sail boat engine. A friend had one in Key Largo it burned about a quart an hour at hull speed so he claimed, you could start it by pulling it's heavy flywheel like the old John Deer tractors. any time I think I might be spending too much upgrading my cars I look at new car prices......
William Rogers.....
74 240D
81 SD
86 Euro 500Se
81 454 Blazer built from frame up