It is an absolute fact that the primary reason for electronically controlled injection for diesels has been political, i.e. emission regulations. One has to be blind not to see the link between certain technical features and emission regs. Do you really believe that engine makers would intentionally adopt features that increase sfc of their engines if they could avoid it? E.g. diesels of current logging machinery have poorer efficiency than those of say 7-8 yrs ago due to stricter emission regulations (=politics). Yet these newer engines have many more "modern" features.
And yes, the problem of adequately accurate mechanical injection was solved prior to WW2. One good example is the DB 605 whose injection pump follows 99.999 % diesel practice except for provision of additional lubrication to compensate for the different fuel.
And yes, the problem of adequately accurate mechanical injection was solved prior to WW2. One good example is the DB 605 whose injection pump follows 99.999 % diesel practice except for provision of additional lubrication to compensate for the different fuel.