Was There a 100 MPG Carburetor Invented in the 40s or 50s and Suppressed by the Petroleum Industry?
Despite the widespread belief that a carburetor capable of achieving 100 miles per gallon (MPG) was invented in the 1940s or 1950s and later suppressed by automotive industry giants like the petroleum industry, this claim remains largely unsubstantiated. This article aims to dissect the origins of this conspiracy theory, trace the stories behind potential breakthroughs, and explore the realities of automotive history.
Popular Conspiracy Theory: The 100 MPG Carburetor
One of the most referenced and discussed inventions in this context is the mythical 100 MPG carburetor. This theory suggests that a special carburetor design existed and was capable of truly remarkable fuel efficiency, potentially up to 100 MPG. The implication is that such a discovery would threaten the status quo, leading to suppression by powerful interests such as the petroleum industry.
Exploring the Invention Claims and Skepticism
The claim of a 100 MPG carburetor is still met with skepticism by many experts. The gasoline industry has historically exerted significant influence on automotive technology and fuel standards. However, there is no concrete proof that they actively suppressed viable but revolutionary technology.
Instead, the development of fuel-efficient vehicles has often been constrained by engineering challenges, market demand, and regulatory standards. While there were various innovative ideas and inventions regarding fuel efficiency during that era, the claim of a reliable 100 MPG carburetor remains largely anecdotal and unsubstantiated.
Personal Account and Family History
However, the personal accounts and experiences of individuals like the author's father add a layer of credibility to these stories. For example, the author's father, a former U.S. Army military policeman deployed to Ethiopia in the early 1950s, had a fascinating personal experience with something that bears striking resemblance to the 100 MPG carburetor legend.
During his deployment, his superiors offered incentives for repairing a military clock, which allowed my father to choose his deployment location. Subsequently, he was sent to Ethiopia, where he encountered a mysterious carburetor system that dramatically improved fuel efficiency. The details of these events paint a picture of advancements that could potentially match the 100 MPG claim.
Technical Details and Skepticism
When looking at the technical details of this alleged carburetor, skepticism persists. The accounts often mention water injection, which is known to be used in some modern jet fighter engines to improve combustion efficiency. However, the scale and application of such technology in a car engine remain highly speculative.
My father, who had a proven track record of exceptional mechanical skills, was initially highly skeptical when he learned about the benefits of the new carburetor system. He was especially doubtful when told about water injection, which was supposed to increase fuel efficiency by a significant margin. Some modern engines do use a small amount of water, but the application and effectiveness are quite different.
Practical Applications and Real-World Impact
Despite my father's initial skepticism, the practical applications of the system were significant. He noticed that his modified GP Jeep could complete 200-mile patrols with barely any change in his gas gauge. The Fiat that he fitted with a similar system also achieved excellent fuel efficiency, despite the poor road conditions.
Other vehicles, from large trucks to tanks, also showed similar improvements. The base, thanks to the new carburetors, was praised for its high operational efficiency and low fuel expenditures.
Legal and Ethical Implications
By late 1955, my father, now a sergeant, was advised that it would be illegal to bring his vehicles with their "classified" carburetors into the United States. The only way to transport the vehicles was to replace the carburetors with standard factory ones. This raises interesting questions about ethical and legal implications of the technology.
Conclusion: An Open Mind
While I remain a skeptic, my father's experience provides a compelling narrative. It's possible that there was a small kernel of truth behind the 100 MPG carburetor urban legend. Further research and exploration might reveal more about the technology and its potential.
However, without substantial evidence, the claim of a 100 MPG carburetor remains primarily a topic of speculation and debate. The story of my father and the mysterious carburetor in Ethiopia adds a significant dimension to this fascinating and controversial area of automotive history.