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Technical Terms and Definitions

Absorption Oil
See Heavy Ends
Air Cleaner Pressure Drop
The negative pressure effect caused by the restrictive action of the air cleaner element. The effect will in- crease as the element becomes dirty and can cause rich mixtures and poor operation.
Air Vaporizer
SeeVaporizer-Regulator
Balance Tube
To compensate for excessive air cleaner pressure drop or a positive pressure created by an intake blower, a tube is run between the atmospheric vent on the fuel controller and the intake manifold ahead of the carburetor.
Carburetor Adapter
A venturi section placed between the gasoline carburetor and air cleaner that will allow the gasoline carburetor to remain intact so the engine can be run on gasoline or gaseous fuels.
Carburetor
Also known as a fuel-air mixer. The section of the engine intake system where fuel and air are mixed and passed on to the engine for combustion.
Choke
A variable restriction in the air intake to increase the pressure drop (vacuum) in the carburetor.
Converter
SeeVaporizer-Regulator
Economizer
A device to create a leaner mixture during part load operation where a richer mixture is desired at full load.
Excess Flow Valve
A safety device generally located at a pressurized fuel tank which restricts or shuts off the fuel flow if the discharge rate exceeds a certain figure in the event of a line rupture.
Exhaust Analyzer
A device that measures the carbon monoxide level in the exhaust gases and indicates the leanness or richness of the air- fuel mixture entering the engine. Can also be equipped to measure hydro carbons.
Filter Lock
Combination fuel filter and safety shut-off.
Fuel Controller
Common term used to de-scribe a unit, which contains an atmospheric zero governor.
Fuel FilterA unit placed in a fuel line to remove dirt and rust picked up from the tank or service fittings.
Heavy Ends
This is a residue picked up by propane from lubricated valves and compressors. It will sometimes collect inside the fuel controller where the pressure is sub-atmospheric.
Idle Plate
A thin Plate inserted between the carburetor and the engine to obtain a vacuum source or provide an idle gas inlet.
Liquid Withdrawal
Used to describe fuel systems where the fuel is drawn from the liquid section of the storage tank.
Lock off Valve
A device either electrically, or vacuum operated to positively shut-off the flow of fuel if the engine should fail while unattended.
Primary
SeeRegulator.
Primer
A feature included on most zero governors, to allow fuel flow prior to cranking the engine as a starting aid.
Regulator

This term applies to the pressure reducing device or section in a fuel system that reduces the tank pressure down to the rated inlet pressure required by the atmospheric zero governor or pressure carburetor.
Secondary
SeeZero Governor.
Shut-Off Valve
SeeLock off Valve.
Solenoid Valve
An electrically operated shut-off device used in connection with a manifold sensing vacuum switch or oil pressure switch to positively shut off the flow of fuel should the engine fail.
Spud-in
A method used to convert a gasoline carburetor to gaseous fuel by placing a tube at the small section of the venturi.
Vapor Withdrawal
Describes a fuel system where the fuel is drawn from the vaporized gas section of the storage tank.
Vaporizer-Regulator
A device which includes a regulator and a heat exchanger to convert liquid propane to gaseous state and reduce the pressure. These devices will sometimes include zero governors and are called converters.
Venturi
A symmetrical restriction in the intake manifold or carburetor, which produces a pressure drop (vacuum) and draws fuel into the air stream. The amount of fuel drawn in is in proportion to the volume and speed of the air passing through the venturi.
Zero Governor
This unit is sometimes called a fuel controller or secondary. It is a vacuum demand.