An internal combustion engine is equipped with a water injector for cooling the internal combustion engine by a spray of atomized water into the intake track or combustion chamber prior to ignition. The atomized water spray may be in the intake manifold or directly in the cylinder. The water is injected at a volume of between a ratio of about 95% fuel to about 5% water and about 50% fuel and about 50% water. The temperature of the internal combustion engine is maintained at between about 95° C. and about 200° C. during operation.