EFI has become the automotive industry standard over the last 30 years. More recently, manufacturers of turf management equipment have started seeing the benefits of using EFI for small engines. Understanding how fuel injection or EFI works in small engines can help you decide whether to spend the additional money when selecting those engines for your next zero-turn mower.
EFI has six major advantages over a carburetor. We’ll cover each of them below.
Table of Contents
- Intro: How Fuel Injection Actually Works
- 1. How Fuel Injection Works to Increase Fuel Economy
- 2. EFI Gives You Improved Startup
- 3. Fuel Injection Compensates for High Altitude Compensation
- 4. EFI Provides Improved Load Governance
- 5. Electronic Fuel Inject Better Tolerates Stale Fuel
- 6. EFI Provides Improved Horsepower
- The Bottom Line
Intro: How Fuel Injection Actually Works
EFI stands for Electronic fuel injection. The technology has become more and more common on smaller engines—a good thing across the board. Rather than using a carburetor, which mixes fuel and air through a system of valves, a venturi tube, and suction, EFI injects fuel directly into either the engine manifold or the cylinder.
For something like a Vanguard engine that you may find in a Ferris mower or similar, the EFI system does much of the same. It works alongside the Engine Control Module (ECM), “tuning” the engine as it runs.
The system evaluates data from several engine sensors and makes decisions about how much fuel to provide on a cycle-by-cycle basis. It even sets the amount of spark for ignition and the timing. The result is an almost flawless start and operation in just about any temperature range. It also helps these engines run smoothly at high elevations (think Denver or Sweden). Lastly, it optimizes fuel consumption—helping lower your emissions in the process.
1. How Fuel Injection Works to Increase Fuel Economy
Fuel costs ebb and flow. Now that they’ve started inching up again, I probably don’t need to tell the commercial lawn guys how rising gas costs quickly cut into your profits! After labor costs, fuel presents the second biggest expense in the commercial turf market. That’s why fuel economy is so important.
Fuel injection works to increase fuel economy by running more efficiently than carbed motors. In fact, Briggs & Stratton has even developed a closed-loop EFI system that delivers up to 25% better fuel economy than an engine using a carburetor.
Delivering just the right amount of fuel on every cycle adds up quickly. Over the long haul, you can save some serious money on commercial products.
2. EFI Gives You Improved Startup
Sometimes, it’s imperative that you get your engine cranked as quickly as possible. EFI not only provides easy, chokelessstartup, but how fuel injection works also makes both hot and cold restarts a whole lot easier. On the jobsite, when time is money, getting things moving quickly can dramatically improve your efficiency.
3. Fuel Injection Compensates for High Altitude Compensation
Since combustion relies on a mixture of fuel and oxygen, carburetors can struggle a bit in altitudes where the air becomes thinner. One of the advantages of EFI is how fuel injection works to automatically compensate for environmental conditions. That includes differences that occur when operating at different altitudes. Using EFI for small engines makes a ton of sense for lawncare Pros who find themselves working at higher altitudes.
4. EFI Provides Improved Load Governance
Between altitude variations, throttle settings, and any of the other variables, carburetors can struggle with supplying a consistent amount of power. EFI systems use an Engine Control Unit (ECU) to monitor engine speeds and load conditions.
The ECU adjusts the fuel delivery accordingly, ultimately maintaining consistent power and improving fuel economy. It kind of reminds us of how brushless motors work to supply extra power when needed when a tool comes under a heavier load.
5. Electronic Fuel Inject Better Tolerates Stale Fuel
As opposed to carburetors, how an electronic fuel injection delivery system works differs in the actual size of the fuel delivered. EFI systems atomize the gas into a fine spray.
This results in higher efficiency. More of the fuel sent to the cylinder actually gets burned. EFI also leaves less residual fuel behind in the system to turn gummy.
Using EFI for small engines delivers the benefit of mechanics having to spend less time and money rebuilding old, gummed-up carburetors!
6. EFI Provides Improved Horsepower
EFI systems consistently deliver higher levels of gross horsepower than carburetors. Again, carburetor performance relies on so many different variables, from throttle position to air concentration, that the performance can be erratic.
Upgrading to fuel injection for small engines evens out performance issues and provides more power or work.
The Bottom Line
The fact that the automotive industry has moved exclusively from carburetors to EFI is pretty telling. It’s also true that there’s a greater cost involved with EFI systems, at least initially. However, the benefits of using EFI for small engines all make a pretty compelling argument for upgrading. Improved fuel efficiency, reliability, power, and consistency should offset the initial cost. Plus, the added benefit of not having to rebuild a carburetor should go a long way toward saving money in the long run.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of automotive technology and small engine applications, I can attest to the transformative impact that Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) has had on various industries, particularly in the automotive and turf management sectors. Over the last three decades, EFI has not only become the standard in the automotive industry but has also gained traction among manufacturers of turf management equipment. The shift from traditional carburetors to EFI in small engines, such as those used in zero-turn mowers, reflects a significant advancement in engine technology.
Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article to better understand the advantages of EFI in small engines:
1. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI):
- Definition: EFI stands for Electronic Fuel Injection. This technology replaces traditional carburetors and delivers fuel directly into the engine manifold or cylinder.
- Functionality: EFI works alongside the Engine Control Module (ECM) to tune the engine by evaluating data from various sensors. It adjusts fuel delivery, spark ignition, and timing on a cycle-by-cycle basis, resulting in optimal engine performance.
2. Advantages of EFI in Small Engines:
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1. Increased Fuel Economy:
- EFI runs more efficiently than carburetors, contributing to up to 25% better fuel economy. This efficiency is crucial for commercial applications, where fuel costs significantly impact profits.
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2. Improved Startup:
- EFI provides easy, chokeless startup, making both hot and cold restarts quicker. This is particularly beneficial in situations where time is of the essence, enhancing overall efficiency.
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3. High Altitude Compensation:
- EFI automatically compensates for environmental conditions, including altitude variations. In high-altitude settings where carburetors may struggle due to thinner air, EFI ensures consistent engine performance.
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4. Improved Load Governance:
- EFI systems use an Engine Control Unit (ECU) to monitor engine speeds and load conditions, adjusting fuel delivery accordingly. This leads to consistent power output and improved fuel economy, especially in variable operating conditions.
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5. Tolerance to Stale Fuel:
- EFI systems atomize fuel into a fine spray, increasing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of residual fuel turning gummy. This minimizes the need for carburetor rebuilding, saving both time and money.
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6. Increased Horsepower:
- EFI consistently delivers higher gross horsepower compared to carburetors. This improvement in performance and power output is especially valuable for small engines used in demanding applications.
3. The Bottom Line:
- The automotive industry's exclusive adoption of EFI underscores its reliability and efficiency.
- While EFI systems may involve a higher initial cost, the long-term benefits, including improved fuel efficiency, reliability, power, and consistency, make a compelling case for their adoption.
- Additionally, the avoidance of carburetor rebuilds adds to the cost savings over time.
In conclusion, the transition from carburetors to EFI in small engines represents a significant technological leap, offering tangible benefits in terms of performance, efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness. The evidence presented in this discussion underscores the value of EFI in the realm of small engine applications, particularly in the context of turf management equipment like zero-turn mowers.
