A vehicle is nothing more than a simple machine. It is a series of systems designed to work together for a desired outcome. While seemingly complicated looked at as a whole, when a person breaks a car into each individual system, things become ever so clear as to how it functions.
One of the simplest sytems a Vehicle has is the fuel sytem. It consists of three major componants, storage, delivery, and metering.
Storage – This is the role of the fuel tank. The fuel tank not only stores gasoline, but when properly designed will resist the motion of fuel inside the tank to keep fuel at the fuel pumps pickup. Storage problems are easily diagnosed and will be physically noticed as a leak from the fuel tank itself. Modern hard plastic tanks, unless punctured will generally last beyond the life of the vehicle. In extreme cases that a fuel tank becomes punctured, the fuel tank can be easily replaced by even the most novice of shade tree mechanics, with minimal tools required to replace.
Delivery – This part of the system includes the fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel filters. The delivery system is responsible for pressureizing, directing, and filtering of the fuel before it reaches the engine. Delivery problems are easily accessed. Look first for signs of leakage. Check fuel pressure, and the volume of fuel for a given amount of time. Change in-line fuel filters at regular intervals, and in-tank fuel filters any time the fuel pump is to be replaced. Problems are easily fixed by most shade tree mechanics and at times may require specialty tools. Most often time is the crucial expense in getting repairs on the delivery system.
Metering – consists of fuel injectors, fuel regulator, and evaporative emissions equipment. The job of fuel metering is to allow the correct amount of fuel into the engine at the correct time. Metering problems can be as obvious as a fuel leak problem, or as hard to pinpoint as testing each individual componant. This is often beyond shade tree mechanics to diagnose. Repairs very often require specialty tools and equipment to diagnose properly, and is often best left to trained professionals. Often times problems may be perceived as being a fuel metering problem, but may be caused from a problem with another system on the vehicle. Metering problems can be detected most visibly by a Check Engine light, hard starting conditions, or sluggish acceleration. These problems can be accompanied by increased fuel consumption, loss of power, and the smell of fuel.
Vehicle owners have a few tips and tricks they can follow to assure the fuel system of their vehicle functions as it is intended to. Among these tips is paying attention to your car or truck. Check your driveway often for signs of fuel leakage, smell for fumes, change your fuel filter as per the manufacturers suggestions, use OEM parts, and always make sure you tighten your gas cap correctly. During your general maintenance, your mechanic should be looking for signs of wear, such as leaks, missing fuel line keepers, corroded lines, and other easily detectable defects.
If you would like to see a more in depth article on how a fuel system functions, would like to contribute further on fuel systems, or would like to see an article tailored for your specific questions or needs, leave a comment below and we’ll try our best to make it happen.