How are Carburetors and Fuel Injectors Different?

Before fuel is introduced to any variation of an internal combustion engine, it must be vaporized to successfully combine with oxygen molecules. However, though it is essential for fuel to be vaporized before it can join with willing oxygen molecules, an induction system must take into account power settings, air to fuel mixture ratios, and more, to maintain aircraft performance. Relying on two types of fuel induction systems, aircraft either utilize carburetors or fuel injector systems to deliver fuel to an engine. Taking into consideration an aircraft's reciprocating engine when installing a fuel induction system, we will go into detail how fuel injectors and carburetors function, and how they can best be applied for your vehicle needs.

Fuel Injection Systems

One of the most common methods for introducing fuel to an engine is through the employment of a fuel injection system. When utilizing any high-pressure injection system affixed within an internal combustion engine, it is essential that the fuel injector be calibrated to supply all cylinders with equal amounts of fuel. Avoiding the premature mixture of air and fuel inside all engine cylinders, fuel injection systems are designed to introduce both fuel and air directly into a cylinder when throttle is applied. Providing each cylinder with equal parts of power, engines built with these systems can be easily controlled and perform with optimized fuel efficiency.

Carburetors

Beginning with the venturi effect, this phenomenon is generated by a fluid flowing into a narrow space, simultaneously increasing its speed while reducing fluid pressure. Adapted for the use of carburetors, the venturi effect allows air and fuel to meet within a carburetor’s system before being injected into a cylinder through air intake manifolds. As carburetors were the optimal choice for aircraft engine applications utilizing the venturi effect prior to the 1970s, float-type carburetors were a popular part option installed in general aviation aircraft. Now widely replaced for modern fuel injection systems, carburetors can still be found implemented in older piston powered aircraft used today.

Although engines vary depending on vehicle model, even the most skilled pilots can experience issues when starting an aircraft. In regard to fuel injection systems, such components installed within engines often experience engine flooding when being primed. Resulting in excess fuel leakage from the engine and cowling if overprimed, an engine overflow can also place your fuel servo in danger of part failure. On the other hand, while carburetors are easier to start as compared to most fuel injection systems, they are not as power efficient and lack precision. Due to a carburetor's nature of mixing fuel and air within its assembly before it is introduced to a cylinder, fuel mixtures within these systems often settle within each cylinder in uneven amounts. As such, uneven fuel mixtures can result in reduced efficiency during flight, increased fuel consumption, and an increased contribution to poor air quality.

At Aviation Parts Online, we want to ensure that any parts you are interested in are optimized for your aircraft. For a streamlined part procurement process for various fuel induction systems, we invite you to browse our inventory for numerous fuel injection systems, carburetors, throttle controls, auxiliary fuel pumps, fuel servo devices, servo regulators, and any applicable parts and components. Due to our quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receipt, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.