Carburetors and fuel injectors both have their share of avid supporters. When motorcycles debuted bikers used carburetors simply because that was the only option but the advent of fuel injection pumps in the 1980s now offers them the choice. Beginners may not even be interested in the discussion as they buy based on the make, model and price but let me tell you this thing alone can change your whole bike riding experience. Choosing between the two requires thorough research as both have their share of pros and cons but you need not worry as we have done it for you. So you may just go through the features to find out the best fit for you. However first let’s have a brief discussion about them.
Carburetors
Simply put carburetors mix the air and fuel in a set ratio and pass the mixture to the combustion chamber which burns it and produces the power. When the throttle is twisted the air flow is increased which causes a sucking force. This increases the fuel delivery which provides the acceleration. Different types of carburetors which are used so as to match the fuel flow requirements of the engine are Up-drought or vertical, Down-drought or inverted and Horizontal Drought.
Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors came into the scene a lot later in the 1980s when the governments began to impose strict emission regulations. Fuel injectors are controlled by the Electronic control Unit (ECU). The ECU delivers the correct air fuel mixture to the combustion chamber using sensors. These sensors monitor the parameters like oxygen content, gas chamber temperature etc. They deliver the mixture using preset maps stored in the ECU. The different types of fuel injectors used are:
- Single Point Injectors: One or two fuel injectors are placed in the throttle which delivers the appropriate mixture of air and fuel to every fuel intake manifold in the engine. However one major drawback is that only the cylinders near the fuel injectors get the right mixture.
- Direct Injectors: The fuel is directly injected into the cylinder which prevents any wastage at the intake valve. Sensors monitor how much fuel is required by the vehicle and the same is supplied.
- Multi-Point Fuel Injectors or Port Injectors: As the name implies there is one fuel injector for each cylinder. This ensures that the entire fuel is used for combustion.
CARBURETORS
PROS
They are cheap and simple. You don’t need a mechanic to repair them. On a highway if you are stuck you can repair it yourself as long as you know how to turn a wrench. They also tend to last longer than fuel injectors. Even if your battery is dead you can always push start it.
CONS
The biggest drawback is they pollute and with the emission norms getting more stringent by the day compliance will be a big issue. They pollute more through the tailpipe but it is even worse when the motorcycle is parked. Carburetors have a bowl through which the fuel evaporates and these hydrocarbons are extremely detrimental to our environment. Control over the air fuel mixture isn’t precise and they deliver the ratio in an average which is not subject to the change in the conditions. Each cylinder doesn’t get the right mix since the carburetor provides it to more than one cylinder at a time. Altitude and humidity also cause problems. Engines don’t even start in cold weather.
FUEL INJECTORS
PROS
CONS
They are costly and require experts for maintenance. Fuel injection systems require a computer to even diagnose the problem. Fuel has to be cleaner than in a carburetor as these are more precise equipments. Water can damage the injectors. Unburned fuel can deposit as soot which damages the catalytic converter. The ECU would need to be re-programmed for any performance modification. A dead battery can cause problems as you can’t use a jump which can damage the electronic circuits.
So both carburetors and fuel injectors have their supporters and detractors. Carburetors are perfect for those who like old school and do not have deep pockets while if you are modern and you want hassle free rides and avoid those cold morning starts then fuel injectors are for you. Although small engines use carburetors because of the price and lower maintenance costs but fuel injectors should be your choice for better performance and lower emissions.
One Comment
Rahul Rema
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