Abstract

An inner surface of a fuel atomization chamber is heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize gasoline. A nozzle sprays liquid gasoline against the hot surface at a high velocity so that the gasoline striking the hot surface is vaporized and broken down into substantially molecular particles to produce a dry gas which is fed through a metering valve into an engine air induction passageway. A spring-loaded rotary plate in the induction passageway serves as a sensor of the quantity of air flowing through the induction passageway and is connected to the metering valve through a cam mechanism so configured as to maintain the air-fuel ration in the induction passageway at optimum value.During start up, when the inner surface of the atomization chamber has not reached its operating temperature, propane or other liquified petroleum gas is fed into the engine rather than vaporized gasoline. Alternatively, liquid gasoline may be injected into the induction passageway for starting, with the amount of fuel injected being determined by the position of the rotary plate.