Are you saying the pressure from the steam would be greater than that from combustion?

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Possibly. Steam is a potent source of power.

Take a look at those huge steam engines powered by a two cylinder engine. The engines had a long stroke though!

I think the waste through heat on a gas engine is around 30 to 40%. A diesel does a lot better. That is why a diesel runs so cool when not loaded.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I would imagine that such a six stroke engine could not develop high RPMs. The rate that the water would evaporate would limit how fast the piston can move down and still produce power. It would work better if you could wrap the exhaust manifold with coils full of water, exchange the heat there, evapoate the water and inject pure steam in the cylinder on stroke 5. The water may have to be distilled, filtered, or heavily treated to work. And would the miles per gallon of water be economically acceptable?

That was one thought I had back when I had dreams of having thought of a simple idea that could work out big. You have to struggle with the thought "if it was that good of an idea, someone would have thought of it by now." Who knows, other human beings have made discoveries, no need to sell myself short.

Anyway, back to the thought, I was wondering if the steam powered stroke would blend in with the gas powered strokes to create a smooth running engine. Who knows. It would take a way bigger budget and facility than I have (not to mention expertise) to figure that one out.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K