Do Lincoln Town Cars Have Throttle Body Fuel Injection?
Introduction
The Lincoln Town Car, a luxury sedan produced by Ford Motor Company, has undergone several technological advancements over its production lifespan. One of the key features that has evolved in the Town Car is its fuel injection system. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of whether Lincoln Town Cars have throttle body fuel injection and explore its implications for performance and efficiency.
Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBFI)
Throttle body fuel injection (TBFI) is a type of fuel injection system where fuel is injected into the intake manifold, just upstream of the throttle valve. The fuel is injected through nozzles mounted in the throttle body, which is controlled by the engine’s electronic control module (ECM). TBFI systems are relatively simple and cost-effective compared to other fuel injection methods.
Historical Evolution of Fuel Injection in Lincoln Town Cars
1980-1990: Carbureted Systems
Early Lincoln Town Cars from the 1980s and early 1990s primarily employed carbureted fuel systems. Carburetors use a Venturi effect to draw fuel from a float bowl and mix it with air before delivering it to the engine’s intake manifold. While carburetors were commonly used in older vehicles, they have several drawbacks, including poor fuel economy, emissions, and performance compared to modern fuel injection systems.
1991-2011: Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Beginning with the 1991 model year, Lincoln Town Cars transitioned to sequential fuel injection (SFI) systems. In an SFI system, each fuel injector is electronically controlled and delivers fuel directly into the intake port of the corresponding cylinder. This allows for precise fuel delivery and timing, resulting in improved fuel economy, emissions, and power output.
2012-2021: Port Fuel Injection (PFI)
From 2012 onwards, the Lincoln Town Car adopted port fuel injection (PFI) as its primary fuel injection method. PFI systems are similar to SFI systems, but the fuel injectors are located in the intake manifold, closer to the cylinder head. This further enhances fuel atomization and reduces fuel pooling, contributing to improved efficiency and performance.
Throttle Body Fuel Injection in Lincoln Town Cars
Absence of TBFI in Lincoln Town Cars:
Despite the widespread adoption of TBFI in many automotive applications, Lincoln Town Cars have never featured throttle body fuel injection systems. The fuel injection systems employed in Town Cars have consistently been either SFI or PFI, as discussed in the previous section.
Reasons for not Using TBFI:
There are several reasons why Ford Motor Company chose not to equip Lincoln Town Cars with TBFI systems:
* Emissions Concerns: TBFI systems tend to result in higher hydrocarbon (HC) emissions compared to SFI or PFI systems. Town Cars have been designed to meet stringent emissions standards, and TBFI would have hindered their ability to comply.
* Performance Limitations: TBFI systems generally deliver less precise fuel control than SFI or PFI systems, which affects engine performance and efficiency. For a luxury sedan like the Town Car, optimizing engine performance and efficiency was a priority.
* Reliability Issues: TBFI systems can be prone to injector fouling and clogging, which can lead to engine performance problems. Lincoln Town Cars are renowned for their reliability, and using TBFI would have potentially compromised this aspect.
Implications of Not Having TBFI
The absence of TBFI in Lincoln Town Cars has the following implications:
* Improved Fuel Economy and Emissions: SFI and PFI systems offer superior fuel economy and lower emissions compared to TBFI systems. This has contributed to the Town Car’s reputation for fuel efficiency in its class.
* Enhanced Performance: SFI and PFI systems provide more precise fuel delivery and timing, resulting in better engine performance and responsiveness. This is particularly noticeable in terms of acceleration and power output.
* Reduced Maintenance Costs: SFI and PFI systems require less maintenance compared to TBFI systems. They are less likely to experience injector fouling or clogging, which means lower repair and replacement costs.
Conclusion
Lincoln Town Cars have never been equipped with throttle body fuel injection (TBFI). Instead, they have utilized sequential fuel injection (SFI) and port fuel injection (PFI) systems throughout their production history. This choice is primarily attributed to the need for improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, enhanced performance, and reliability. As a result, Lincoln Town Cars have consistently delivered superior fuel efficiency, emissions performance, and driving experience compared to vehicles equipped with TBFI systems.
