The Cox.049 Engine is a 2-stroke internal combustion glow plug engine. These engines use an electrically heated glow plug to ignite the fuel/air within the cylinder on start-up. Once running the battery is disconnected and ignition is similar to a diesel engine. The self ignition is due to the heat produced from the compression of the air/fuel mix, and the catalytic reaction between the platinum element in the glow plug and the methanol in the fuel. Fuel intake to the engine is controlled by a simple needle valve and venturi system. Fuel/air mixture intake to the crankcase is controlled via a reed valve or rotary valve depending on the engine design.