FYI: The iconic carburetor, once the heart of automotive engines, had a long farewell as it disappeared from the market with the rise of fuel injection technology.
The Carburetor’s Legacy
The carburetor, a brilliant invention that once dominated American automotive engineering, served as a vital component for mixing air and fuel in internal combustion engines. Beginning with the Duri Air Brothers’ converted horse buggy in 1893, carburetors ruled the road for decades.
However, by the late 1980s, change was in the air thanks to tighter emissions standards introduced by the California Air Resources Board. Given California’s influence on the automotive industry, it became more practical for manufacturers to design vehicles that met these regulations across the U.S.
The Quiet Exit of Domestic Carburetors
By the early 1990s, most American carmakers had phased out carburetors from their models. Among the last to feature this technology were the Ford LTD Crown Victoria with its 5.8-liter V8, primarily for fleet sales, and the venerable Jeep Grand Wagoneer. By 1991, these vehicles marked the end of an era for domestic carbureted engines.
The Global View: Japanese Resilience
Interestingly, several Japanese automakers continued offering carbureted vehicles longer than their American counterparts. Compact pickups and SUVs, such as the Mazda B2200, kept the carburetor alive until 1993.
However, the title for the last carbureted new vehicle sold in America went to the Isuzu Pickup. Its basic 2.3-liter engine persisted with carburetion until the end of 1994, despite mounting pressure from emissions regulations and the implementation of the OBD-II diagnostic system in 1996.
The Shift to Fuel Injection
Fuel injection emerged as a superior alternative, offering more efficiency, better fuel economy, and reduced emissions. This technology responded dynamically to changes in operating conditions such as altitude and temperature, significantly improving engine performance and maintenance requirements.
A Fond Farewell
While carburetors have become a nostalgic memory for car enthusiasts, their legacy is undeniably significant. The evolution towards fuel injection has paved the way for advancements in automotive technology that align with environmental goals.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
