Douglas DC-7 Question

This is a longshot, but I have a quesion concerning the DC-7 that tech
manuals and archives I've searched have failed to answer...

When the _very_ early DC-7's were delivered to United and American
Airlines, there was a small "scoop" visible just behind the main air
intake on all four engines. The scoop helped aid deicing of the carb.

Almost immediately this small scoop was removed and later production
aircraft did not have them.

My question is: Does anyone know WHY this mod was removed and WHERE
could I be steered online to maybe find someone who would know?

Please email me with suggestions.

Thanks, Danny 8-)

Hi:

This is just a guess, but I recall that the DC-7 used the Wright
R-3350 engine - which had been plagued by fuel distribution problems
since it's initial deployment on the B-29. I have read that later
on in the engine's development this problem was solved by going to fuel
injection. Might this be the reason?

David Johnson