Classics for the Tractor Enthusiast

Fans of old iron have likely heard of the Marvel Schebler carburetor but are less likely to know its background. Retired carpenter and engine collector Joseph Greiwe has made it his mission to keep the memory of inventor George Schebler alive for a new generation through his booklet, History of the Schebler Carburetor. 

Born in 1865, Schebler worked briefly as a carpenter then as a repairman of small musical instruments and a violin builder. Working around gas engines, he was well aware of the need for improvements to engine mixing valves. Inspired by an automatic hog watering trough that maintained a constant level of water, he began to experiment with a float system for a carburetor.

He received his first patent in 1902 and established a business partnership shortly after, creating the firm of Wheeler & Schebler. The rest, as they say, is history, and Greiwe has done a good job of bringing it back to life. He includes detail on Wheeler & Schebler factories, progressive management, annual sales and subsequent patents and the resulting models. He even digs in to the link between Schebler and the Indy 500, and Schebler’s design of the first V-12 engine used in automobiles. Also included: early ads for Wheeler & Schebler, historic photos and Schebler’s patents.

History of the Schebler Carburetor: George M. Schebler 1865-1942, by Joseph Greiwe, soft-cover, 54 pages, black-and-white photos and illustrations, $12.95 through the author: Joseph Greiwe, (812) 934-2747.FC