The invention relates to a method for organizing the work process in internal combustion engines which function like diesel engines. In the internal combustion engine working method, in a combustion chamber filled with a gaseous oxidizing agent, compression is carried out exclusively by mechanical means up to a pressure value Pc that is determined as Pc = (0.8-1.0) Pz max, where Pz max is the specific maximum permissible combustion pressure for the engine in question. Fuel is introduced when the piston is close to top dead centre such that heat release begins on the combustion stroke. The combustion process is organized according to a principle close to isobaric with the subsequent expansion of the gases and the release thereof into the atmosphere. Air or an oxygen-containing mixture of gases with a hydrocarbon content of not more than 10% can be used as the gaseous oxidizing agent. The pressure value during the combustion process does not deviate by more than 20% from the values determined by the isobar. The exclusion of the use of an ignition charge of fuel, and the controlled heat release make it possible to increase significantly the performance of an engine that functions like a diesel engine without the need for significant structural modifications.
