THE CARTER CARBURETOR
[Illustration: Fig. 40--Carter Carburetor]
Fig. 40 shows the Carter carburetor which embodies a radically new
principle. It belongs to the multiple-jet type, but possesses this
striking difference, variations in fuel level are utilized to determine
the number of jets in action at any time. The variations in fuel level
occur in a vertical tube known as the “stand pipe.” They take place in
instant response to the slightest change in the suction exerted by the
engine. As this suction depends directly on the engine’s speed, it can
clearly be seen that this provides a marvelously sensitive means of
automatic control. A large number of exceedingly small jets are bored
spirally around the upper portion of this tube. As a result, the level
at which the fuel stands within it, determines the number of jets from
which delivery is being made at any instant and the gasoline supply
is always directly proportioned to the engine speed, however suddenly
changes in speed take place. Owing to the comparatively large number
of these jets, their exceedingly small size, and their correspondingly
short range of action, the flow of fuel is absolutely uninterrupted.
The instrument is permanently adjusted for low and intermediate speeds
at the time of installation. An auxiliary air valve controlled from
dash or steering post forms the high speed adjustment as well as
affording a means of securing absolute uniformity of mixture under
widely varying conditions of weather, temperature, or altitude,
directly from the driver’s seat. A simple method of enabling each
cylinder to such a rich priming charge direct from the float chamber is
another valuable feature that obviates all need of priming and insures
easy starting in the coldest winter weather.