About Dean
This book is written for all antique car enthusiasts who are interested in not only working on their old cars but equally important, understanding how and why they work. Although the title of the book says “carburetion”, it covers far more than just the carburetor.
For antique car enthusiasts, the carburetor is one of the most intimidating, perplexing and least-understood parts of their car. This book takes the mystery out of carburetors by explaining not just how they work, but why these varied systems are required using many analogies, photos and illustrations. Since carburetors cannot operate successfully by themselves, the important surrounding systems (ignition, fuels and manifolds) will be covered also. The explanations and illustrations allow you to fully understand both venturi-type carburetors and some of the variations used by several manufacturers.
Dean’s education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute in 1961 (now Kettering University) and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Michigan in 1962. He was awarded two patents on experimental carburetor and emission controls.
Dean spent his 40 year career with General Motors at the Rochester Products Division in the Product Engineering Department. He did every aspect of engineering from the test laboratories, running engine dynamometers, durability and car testing to the design and development of both production and experimental carburetors and emission control products.
One career highlight was the four years Dean spent establishing the European Engineering Center in Luxembourg with four GM Component Divisions. He was instrumental in the construction of the engineering facility, hiring and training engineers plus working with new customers. This Engineering Center facilitated these four Divisions to apply their complete engine control systems knowledge to European automotive companies as Europe moved into exhaust and evaporative emission controls during the 1980s.
Dean retired from General Motors in 1997 as Director of Advanced Engineering for the Delphi Engine Management Systems Division of GM. One retirement highlight has been the 26 years of creating (and sole editor) of the “Early Buick and Buick-McLaughlin Owners” quarterly newsletter sent to over 200 Buick owners all over the world. Dean was awarded the prestigious Buick Heritage Alliance award in 2017 for preserving the history of early Buicks.
Wake Forest, NC is now home for Dean and his wife Les of 60+ years and counting. Their three sons and six grandchildren live in various parts of the country.