Top Picks For Fuel Tank Related Parts

Most of the vehicles use hydrocarbon fuels like gasoline and diesel for power generation and this fuel is safely stored in fuel tanks. The primary purpose of a fuel tank in a vehicle is to provide a healthy mileage so the car can go without refueling for several kilometers. An automotive fuel tank is usually made from metal or high-density plastic. Metal tanks, aluminum, or steel, are made using welded stamped sheets. They are also provided with partitions inside the tank for rigidity and to prevent the fuel from splashing. High-density Polyethylene (HPDE) tanks are manufactured by blow molding and can take complex shapes. The material, shape, and capacity of a fuel tank vary depending on the specifications, make, and model of the vehicle. The fuel tank is usually located between the rear wheels of a vehicle and is secured by a set of fuel tank straps.

A fuel vapor storage canister, also known as a charcoal canister or an EVAP canister, is a part of the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) of the vehicle which is used in gasoline engines to stop evaporative emissions. Gasoline is volatile and gets evaporated easily into the atmosphere, causing hydrocarbon (HC) emissions. In order to prevent the unburnt fuel from evaporating and escaping, a fuel vapor storage canister is used, which consists of charcoal that traps the gasoline vapors and sends it out via a purge valve to the intake manifold whenever the engine is turned on. This helps in reducing air pollution by sealing off the fuel system from the atmosphere. The vent lines attached from the fuel tank and the carburetor bowl route the vapors to the canister where they are trapped and stored until the engine is started.

When the charcoal canister is damaged or cracked, usually by road objects, it will allow fuel vapor to escape. This may lead to decreased gas mileage and fuel smell, which means the canister should be checked and replaced if damaged. When the charcoal canister is flooded with gasoline, it will lead to rough starts and poor engine idle. This can happen due to a stuck open purge valve and overfilling the gas tank. When the canister is flooded with gasoline, it will lose its ability to capture fuel vapor. This will cause the fuel vapor to stay in the tank, and you may notice the gas pump shutting off while refueling the tank full of gas. Inspect the canister and ensure that the vapor vent line is not clogged. Finally, when the canister is failing, it will trigger the check engine light and EVAP related codes indicating a problem with the canister or the EVAP system. Typically, a bad vapor canister won't harm your engine but will lead to increased emissions and fuel vapor loss, thus should be replaced if you notice these symptoms.

The vapor canister valve is a part of the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System and is an electrically operated solenoid that is controlled by the engine computer. It is also known as the purge valve and it restricts the fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere by holding them inside the canister. As the engine starts and warms up, the engine computer allows the canister valve to open and purge some amount of fuel vapors from the fuel vapor canister into the engine.

Like other components of your vehicle, exposure to dirt and dust can clog the canister, eventually causing the vapor canister valve to malfunction. Spotting a failing canister valve is easy and usually, it causes the check engine light to come up on the console. A stuck open or closed canister valve will make the engine computer sense an unusually high or low purge, kicking an error code and a check engine light. Decreased engine performance due to a disrupted air-fuel ratio is another sign of a potential problem with the canister valve, followed by increased fuel consumption. Although you can drive around with a faulty canister valve, it can damage the other components of the EVAP system on your vehicle in the long run and lead to increased emissions. Therefore, if these issues occur together, it's most likely that your canister purge valve is failing and needs replacement.

The fuel pump module assembly is located inside the fuel tank and its purpose is to send fuel at the right pressure to the engine. The fuel pump module assembly is used in fuel-injected engines and comprises a fuel sending unit, a pressure regulator valve, a fuel tank pressure sensor, a pump intake strainer, and an electric pump. Located in the fuel tank of the vehicle, the fuel keeps the motor cool and prevents air from getting into the motor. 

The most common cause of a fuel pump module assembly failure is running a vehicle with low fuel levels, which causes the rotor to overheat and malfunction. The contaminants in the fuel tank can also clog up the strainer, jam the fuel pump, cutting off the fuel supply to the engine. A failing fuel pump module assembly will lead to other symptoms like whining noise from the fuel tank, engine sputtering at high speeds, improper engine idling, and significant loss of power. If the fuel pump module assembly fails completely, your vehicle wouldn't start as it won't be able to provide enough fuel for the engine to run. Furthermore, you can check for an audible noise by placing your ear near the fuel tank as the ignition key is turned on. The absence of such a sound indicates a pump failure. If your vehicle displays any of the symptoms above and you suspect that your fuel pump module assembly is failing, it's essential to get it checked and replaced.

Fuel tank straps are brackets or straps that are used for securing your vehicle's fuel tank to the underbody of your vehicle. Vehicles may come with two of three fuel tank straps depending on the size of the fuel tank and the vehicle. The straps are secured to the vehicle with the help of bolts and they prevent the fuel tank from getting damaged by holding it firmly against the vehicle's chassis. They are made from different materials like steel, stainless steel, aluminized steel, EPDM rubber, etc.

Fuel straps attach underneath the vehicle, which makes them vulnerable to road debris, snow, and water. Over time, this leads to corrosion and deterioration. Worn-out fuel tank straps may also create squeaking noises from underneath the vehicle. A simple visual inspection during routine maintenance is enough to ensure the proper condition of the fuel tank straps. Any signs of corrosion or visible damage call for a deeper inquiry and an obvious replacement if the straps are in a bad condition.