The main function of the fuel system is to feed a car’s engine with gas / diesel necessary to run. In the event any part of the system breaks down the engine will not work. In order to be able to repair of them let’s look into the structure of the system. So the main parts of your car’s fuel system are:
Fuel tank
It is a tank containing the fuel. At the gas station when you fill up the gasoline goes along the filter pipe right into the fuel tank. There is a unit in the tank telling to the gas indicator how much gasoline there is in the tank.
Fuel pump
In most modern cars the fuel pump is usually installed into the tank. In older vehicles the fuel pumps are attached to the engine or are fixed on the frame rail located between the fuel tank and the engine. Electrical pumps run by the vehicle’s battery are located either in the tank or on the frame rail. Pumps located in the engine use the engine motion to pump gas.
Fuel filter
Clean gas is extremely important for engine’s health and performance. The tiny openings of the fuel injectors are very easy to clog and the only prevention is filtering the fuel. Filters are located either before or after the fuel pumps. In some cars the filters are situated on both ends of the pump.
Fuel injectors
Since 1986 most domestic vehicles and earlier foreign-made cars were provided with fuel injection. This means that the computer controls when the injectors open and allow gas into the engine. This has reduced harmful emission and raised fuel economy. The fuel injector represents a small electric valve made open and close by the electric signal. Owing to injecting the fuel close to the cylinder the fuel stays atomized which leads to better burning when it gets ignited by the spark plug.
Carburetors
The function of the device is to take the fuel and mix it with air. It is not controlled by the computer. They are simple in operation but have a lot of drawbacks connected with necessity of frequent repair and rebuilding. Because of this most of modern car are provided with fuel injectors instead of carburetors.
Common problems
Fuel filter clogging is the most common problem from my point of view. Carefully read the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the filter change. Your owner’s manual contains all necessary information. If you have sputtering at high speeds or the engine does not start at all these are main symptoms of the filter clogging. At first we recommend checking the ignition system and if it is fine then the problem is in the fuel filter.
Fuel pump failing is the next frequent problem. When the driver turns the key on he or she can easily hear the fuel pump at least in most modern cars. If the car does not start and you can’t hear the pump so the problem lies in it. The mechanic will check the relay sending the power to the pump. In the event the relay is ok you’ll have to replace the pump.
Dirty injectors is the last but not the least problem is connected with dirty injectors. Even if your fuel filter works perfectly cleaning the fuel that’s not enough. Tiny particles are getting into the injectors over time thus preventing them from delivering the fuel necessary for engine’s run. This clogging can also make injector send too much fuel into the engine. To keep the injectors clean we recommend regular adding the fuel system cleaner, like Techtron fuel system cleaner or STP Injector Cleaner. You can buy it in most department stores, gas stations and car parts stores. The cleaner should be poured into the tank before filling up every three month. You can clean the fuel system with mechanic who will disconnect fuel system parts and flush the cleaner through the engine. But this should be done only in the event your injectors are in a very bad condition and cannot be cleaned by means of a store-bought product. If you want to save money on your car servicing regularly use a good in-tank cleaner.
Where do you buy the gasoline?
Perhaps it sounds strange but it does matter. Use services of a famous national brand station. Other gas stations tend to get all kinds of fuel left at the end of a day. For example, today they sell Texaco, tomorrow they will offer you Exxon. Also many troubles of the engine can be caused by water mixed with gas. This promotes rust in the system and of course the engine will not run well. If there is much water in the tank you car will not start at all.
Octane rating
Use gas with octane rating recommended by the manufacturer. Using higher-octane fuel will not result in better performance or gas mileage. If your owner’s manual recommends using 87… USE THIS GAS RATE!!! If you are feeding your car with Super or Premium while it needs Regular you are just throwing your hard earned money away.