Basics On Car's Fuel System

Have no clue about the fuel system? Well, the fuel system includes a fuel tank, pump, filter, and injectors or carburetor, and plays the role of transferring the fuel to the engine as per the requirements. In order to attain desirable results, make sure that all the components function in order.

Curious to know about the functioning of a fuel system? Here we have mentioned all you need to know:

The vehicle fuel system serves the purpose of storing and supplying fuel to the engine. It is in the engine intake system, where the fuel is mixed with air, atomized and vaporized. Further, it is compressed in the engine cylinder and ignited for the production of energy or power. Although, at times you may find these fuel systems to vary according to the engine but they still perform the function of supplying fuel to the combustion chamber and regulate the amount of fuel transferred in relation to the amount of air.

The fuel pump draws fuel from the tank and is stored in the fuel tank itself. Travelling through the fuel lines, it is then delivered from a fuel filter to the fuel injectors (carburetors and throttle body injection that were both installed on older vehicles). After the fuel is delivered, the final procedures for providing complete combustion include atomization and spray pattern of the fuel. Atomization can be regarded as a result of the injection pressure that had been due in part to the diameter of the holes in the injector.

The spray pattern is determined by the spacing, angle and number of holes present in the injector tip.

The fuel pressure is regulated differently in accordance to the type of the vehicle system (whether it is return type or returnless type system). It should be noted that the return type system has a fuel pressure regulator that changes the fuel pressure according to the amount of vacuum present in the intake system whereas on the other hand a returnless type system utilizes a powertrain control module in order to monitor fuel delivery.

The amount of fuel pressure along with the flow of the fuel remains the same as it reaches the injectors while a returnless type system utilizes a powertrain control module for regulating the fuel delivery. Also, you can find a fuel pressure sensor fixed onto the supply rail of the fuel injectors that enables the PCM to regulate the fuel pressure. The PCM compensates by increasing the injector duration and/or operating speed of the fuel pump at times when the fuel pressure and flow starts to drop due to an increase in the speed of the engine or load.

Fuel is one of the major reasons that contribute to the proper functioning of the engine. Whenever the flow of the fuel to the engine gets disrupted, you are likely to notice poor engine performance or a complete failure in the functioning of the engine. Here we have listed a few common problems that should be taken care of:

1. Defective fuel pumps - Well, there are a number of signs that indicate a possible failure in the fuel pumps. Some of these include, loud electrical clicking’s or strange noises while the engine is running even at idle. Also, if you are unable to start your engine even when the starter motor is all good, then take this as a sign of a failed fuel pump. Misfires, or decrease in power, or the engine cutting at idling should also be taken as warning signs for the same. Lastly, be cautious of continuously driving with low fuel levels as it may lead to premature wearing of the fuel pump.
2. Fuel filter - The fuel filter performs the function of preventing the pollutants from getting into the fuel injectors. Lack of engine responses, hesitation while throttle is applied or frequent engine stalls or no idle should be taken as serious warning signs of a failure in the fuel filter. Although, in today’s time, it has become quite an easy task to replace a fuel filter. Also, we advise you to get the fuel filter serviced at regular intervals.
3. Bad quality fuel - At times, putting poor quality of fuel can also prove to be hazardous for the system. The manifestations of the same can be seen in issues like sluggish performance or a in a difficult start of the engine. In extreme cases, you are likely to face problems like engine misfires or backfiring leading to an illuminated management warning light. If you suspect a problem with the fuel, we advise you to stop driving the car immediately. In case the quantity of the fuel is less, adding more can dilute it although the best option is to fully drain it.
4. Fuel injectors - If there is a problem with even one of the injectors, you’ll immediately notice it. Difficulty in getting the engine to fire, poor idle or rough engine performance are some of the common symptoms. Also, other indicators include, sudden increase in fuel consumption or a failed emissions test. To make things simpler, here's how you can diagnose a fault in the fuel injector yourself: start the engine from cold and let it run for a few seconds. Then drop some water onto each exhaust manifold to see the one that isn’t heating. This can be taken as a sign for a cylinder that isn’t firing correctly. Although, this won’t always be easy due to the complicated layout of numerous modern engines. Modern diesel engines have very fine injector nozzles that operate under extremely high pressure. So, we advise you to change the fuel injectors if the problem is beyond your control.
5. Fuel system cleaners - Using these, you can give the vehicle’s fuel system a thorough cleansing that’ll benefit you greatly. Perform this by adding a fuel system cleaner to the vehicle’s fuel tank and working it through the system. This will help in cleaning the inside of the fuel tank. The depositions are like to get cleaned through this (this is a good reason why you shouldn't run a vehicle to empty). Any build-up of water will also get cleaned from the tank. Making its way through the fuel system, the fuel lines will also get cleared, resulting in even amounts of flow to each of the injectors and cylinders. By performing this, extra lubrication is added to the valves, cylinders, injectors and rings, and all the carbon or dirt build-up in the combustion chamber will be broken and cleaned by this agent thereby leading to a smooth engine with improved fuel economy. Get your vehicle serviced if it is old. 

The fuel system will malfunction even if one of the parts that include the fuel tank, filter, pump, tank and injector or carburetor are damaged. So here we have listed a few common symptoms that should be taken as an alarm for an underlying issue:

1. You will notice the engine sputtering - This is the most common symptom when there is a problem in the fuel system. You will notice the engine sputtering while driving at a high speed. This problem usually occurs when the fuel pump fails to deliver a continuous flow of the fuel to the engine leading to the engine to receive air instead of fuel. Due to this interruption, the engine will skip power strokes leading to the engine sputter or jerk. Initially, when this problem occurs, it can be observed lasting for approximately one or two minutes. Also, be careful to not confuse this issue with dirty gas, empty tank or other fuel related problems. The real cause that triggers this issue is nothing else but jammed fuel filters or damaged fuel pumps. Consult a trained technician if in case you have confusions regarding the issue.
2. Stuck in the same place - A failed engine start is the first problem that you might notice. This happens when the engine fails to receive adequate amounts of fuel. All the combustion engines have fuel pumps installed in one or the other form. Although, they are meant to last for long, but with increased mileage, their condition deteriorates. So a replacement should be performed as soon as possible if required. Still confused? For further confirmations, use a fuel pressure gauge to check the pressure in the fuel lines. The pump is damaged if the pressure reads zero. Low engine power while accelerations, strange sounds or sudden accelerations are some signs of fault in the fuel system. On the other hand a properly functioning pump increases the fuel flow rate to the fuel accelerator once the gas pedal has been depressed. Car stalls are also common issues faced.
3. Engine Surges are likely to be noticed - Engine surges are one of the most common things to be noticed. You will notice that the vehicle will change from moving normally at a constant speed without the intervention of the driver. It will accelerate and surge forward instead of maintaining a constant speed almost as if the accelerator has already been depressed. This entire scenario can be very dangerous for the vehicle and the driver itself. A number of times, the drivers mistakenly blame engine surges on fuel filter because it isn’t like the other signs of damage in the fuel system. Note that engine surges usually occur due to age, wear and tear that further lead to variable resistance of the fuel pump. Thus, leading to a situation where the engine fails to draw an adequate amount of energy to keep up with the pressure that is required for a constant speed.

If you want to repair your fuel system all by yourself, then let’s face it that you will need some auto body tools. You can always start by building your own tool chest. Searching for some tools needed to repair your fuel system? Don’t Worry! We are here to help you out. Here are some common tools that you will probably end up needing while repairing your fuel system:

• Fuel line disconnect wrenches
• Fuel tank lock ring tools
• Fuel line disconnect set
• Carburetor adjustment tools
• Fuel system pressure testers

If you know which car parts brand suits the best for your fuel system, then it would save a lot of your decision-making time. What we believe is that picking a particular brand would always be helpful in reducing the clutter, and at the same time would make it easier for the customers to find what they are actually looking for. That’s why we have listed out some top brands for fuel system below as follows:

There might be a big-picture overview of fuel system in your mind, and now it’s time to look at its related components:

• Fuel filter
• Fuel water separator
• Fuel pump filter
• Fuel filter with bracket
• Fuel air accumulator

If you are like most of us, then you won’t know much about the related components of car fuel system fear not! Here is a quick and easy guide to explain the related parts of the fuel system. Generally, the cost of cleaning a fuel system injector costs between $50 and $80.