Kugelfischer
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Kugelfischer is the name for a mechanical (jerk-type) fuel injection pump. It was produced by FAG Kugelfischer and later by Robert Bosch GmbH [1] Derived from diesel pumps from the early 1960s, the Kugelfischer system was the most widely-adopted mechanical injection pump for performance vehicles. It was among the first units with manufacturer-customizable fuel delivery maps which used rpm, throttle position, temperature, and sometimes barometric pressure as inputs. This was accomplished mechanically, not electronically.
In the late '60s and early '70s, it was fitted to a variety of production vehicles from BMW, Ford UK, Lancia, Peugeot, and others. It is perhaps best known for its use by BMW in the 2000tii/2002tii (and later, the 2002 Turbo) performance sedan from 1970-1975 and the M1 supercar from 1978-1981. Due to high manufacturing cost however, it became economically undesirable with the introduction of cheaper electronic engine management systems (and continuous-injection mechanical systems) by the end of the decade.
But the Kugelfischer system continued to be used as a specialty injection pump for purpose-built race engines into the '80s.
Today, the Kugelfischer pumps are prized pieces. Due to limited parts availability, reconditioning them properly can cost several thousand dollars and should only be performed by highly qualified individuals who are well-oriented in custom engine development.
[edit] References
- ^ Gross, W (1970-02-01). The Kugelfischer Distributor Injection Pump PV. Society of Automotive Engineers. http://www.sae.org/technical/papers/700698. Retrieved 2007-12-03. ""A new distributor type diesel fuel injection pump is described. The pump designed for engines up to 8 cyl including 6 cyl engines with unequal firing intervals contains one plunger driven by a face cam. It involves fuel supply pump, speed advance unit, flyweight type all-speed governor, automatic excess-fuel for starting, and a torque control device.""
