The "thermostart" system used in some diesel tractors places an element in the intake manifold that looks something like a cigarette lighter element.

Power is applied to that element to make it glow red hot, then diesel fuel is slowly dripped onto the element and burns.

Works quite well - glow plugs not required.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles