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2ND REPORT
WHAT IS EFI?
Electronic fuel injection replaces the need for a carburetor that mixes
air and fuel. EFI does exactly what it sounds like. It injects fuel
directly into an engine’s manifold or cylinder using electronic
controls. While the auto industry has been enjoying the technology for
decades, it’s not as common in smaller engines.
Fuel injectors are used to spray-controlled amounts of fuel into
an internal combustion engine. A solenoid is activated when fuel is
intended to be delivered to the engine, causing the plunger to become
pulled toward the solenoid by magnetic force. This uncovers the valve
opening, allowing fuel to flow into the atomizer and out the spray tip,
as it is under pressure. A valve spring attached to the plunger returns
the plunger to its original position when the solenoid is switched off.
The route of fuel is shown in orange; grey/blue indicates no fuel
present.
Carburetors are good for performance, but due to their vague nature,
they can’t make great horsepower, get solid gas mileage, and pass an
emission test, all with the same tune, they also had many mechanical
parts that could become gummy over the period. This means they
were more maintenance-intensive, with a carburetor rebuild often
being part of a routine maintenance schedule. The initial EFI was
mostly just processor-controlled carburetors attached to an oxygen
sensor and throttle position sensor, all wired to an Electronic Control
Unit.
Easier Starting
How many times do you go to start your generator by adjusting the
choke first?
You won’t have to worry about that with electronic fuel injection. It
works for both hot and cold starting, eliminating one of the major
headaches of using small engines.
Fewer Emissions
Since EFI engines deliver air and fuel with better accuracy than a
carburetor engine, they generally produce fewer emissions to go along
with the improvement in fuel efficiency. Atomization of fuel also
helps burn the fuel more completely.
Less Maintenance
Question – what’s the most common maintenance you’re performing
on your generator?
If you’re an occasional user, chances are your generator ends up in the
shop for a carburetor cleaning or replacement more than anything
else. For Pros that rely on a generator more frequently, it’s likely oil
changes, spark plug changes, and filter cleanings (all of which are
easy to do yourself). No matter which boat you’re in, there’s no
carburetor to maintain.
EFI does a better job of avoiding fuel gum up as well. Since the
injection process atomizes the fuel, it burns more completely
without leaving behind the residual fuel that a carburetor does.