Car fuel supply system parts

How to detect fuel system malfunction

Complex diagnostics of the fuel system needs to be performed annually. Tools with high accuracy of indications and computer-assisted equipment are used for diagnostics.  First of all, the fuel pump is checked with the help of a manometer. The device should be connected to the pipe through which the fuel is supplied. It is necessary to use the manometer with the scale having more than six bars. To check whether the system is tight, the smoke generator is applied. Furthermore, using the set of adapters it is necessary to make sure that the pressure regulator works correctly. To define the level of wear of the injectors and their efficiency rate, the tester is applied. It is connected to an injector and the latter is diagnosed at different levels of vibration.

You can find out that the fuel system requires diagnostics by the following signs:

• lubricant is leaking;
• the engine doesn’t operate at full capacity;
• the engine operates abruptly;
• difficult engine start;
• more fuel is consumed;
• unstable engine operation at idle;
• there is the distinct smell of fuel in the passenger compartment.

Causes of fuel system malfunctions

One of the most dangerous malfunctions of the fuel system is loss of its tightness, which increases the risk of vehicle explosion. There can be few causes, leading to this. They are: wear of the sealing elements or usage of low-quality fuel, that causes destructive effect to rubber parts; mechanical damages, loose connection between some components, incorrectly performed repair works and other. Also corrosion caused by ingress of water into the fuel pipes or contaminant build-up may lead to depressurization of the system.

Usually, moisture condensates from air and accumulates on the fuel tank bottom, if it is not fully filled. In case of water ingress into the system, especially during cold season, there is a high risk of its freezing and thus hoses cracking. It is recommended to fill the fuel tank up to the top, in order to avoid this.

Usage of low-quality fuel, ingress of foreign objects into the fuel system, increase of concentration of wear products from some components may soil the injectors and breakdown the fuel pump. Its efficiency worsening, as well as fuel filter soiling, promotes decrease of pressure in the engine fuel system and causes faults in its operation.

Repair and replacement of the fuel system

The fuel system is replaced completely in rare cases. Often, replacement of the broken part is done for troubleshooting, and the soiled components  are cleaned. The fuel system consists of many components and is quite complicated by its structure. So the specialized stand is required to replace the damaged elements. In most cases the fuel pump, the filter and the fuel tank are replaced during repair works. In case when the filter got soiled, it is cleaned or replaced. Also it is required to clean the injectors from the resin traces. This can be carried out in two ways:

• wash the part in an ultrasonic bath;
• pass the special detergent (solvent) through the injector.