From Gas Tank To Combustion Chamber: Following The Path Of Automotive Fuel
July 15th, 2010 adminFrom Gas Tank To Combustion Chamber: Following The Path Of Automotive Fuel
When most drivers need gasoline, they visit a service station, fill their vehicle’s tank, and never give a second thought regarding what happens next to the gas. Somehow, it travels from the tank to the engine. Within the engine’s cylinders, it mixes with air before being compressed and ignited to generate power.
There are several problems along the way that can prevent fuel from reaching the cylinders. For this reason, it’s worth reviewing the path along which gasoline travels from the tank. We’ll examine its path below, starting with the fuel pump and filter.
Fuel Pumps And Filters Explained
Gasoline remains within your tank until it is pushed out to the fuel line. This is the job of your fuel pump. In most vehicles, this component is mounted inside the tank; in some cars, it is bolted underneath. The pump is designed with an inlet tube on one end and a valve on the opposite end. Gas is pulled into the pump through the inlet tube, and is prevented from passing by the valve. A motor contained within creates pressure. When gas is needed, the valve opens and allows it to enter the fuel line.
A fuel filter lies further down the line, and acts as a crossing guard between the gas tank and engine. A roundish canister is filled with filtering material that prevents contaminants from passing. These contaminants can easily clog the fuel injectors, or cause damage to the engine. The filtering material inside this component cleans the gas, and allows it to pass to the fuel rail.
Fuel filters are inexpensive (usually less than $20). Thus, it is a good idea to have it replaced every two years. Given that it protects your engine from harmful elements, it is one of the best investments you can make toward preserving the life of your vehicle.
From The Filter To The Injectors
Once gasoline has been allowed to pass your fuel filter, it travels to your fuel rail. Along this rail lie your fuel injectors. The injectors are part of a larger system that is controlled by your car’s powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM makes precise adjustments to the amount of fuel allowed to enter the injectors. These adjustments are based on a stream of data received from the oxygen sensor as well as your driving conditions.
Over time, the injectors can become clogged. One of the most common reasons this occurs is due to a wax-like material left behind whenever you turn off your car. The heat around the injectors dissipates while the wax-like material hardens into deposits within the nozzle.
A partially-clogged injector will be unable to deliver the precise amount of fuel measured by the PCM. As a result, the air-fuel mixture within the cylinder will be too lean. You’ll experience a misfire, hesitation while accelerating, and idling problems. Your car’s fuel efficiency will also decline.
Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Fuel System
You can prevent many of the problems noted above by actively maintaining your car’s fuel system. As noted earlier, change the filter every two years. It will eventually accumulate so many contaminants that it becomes unable to do its job properly.
Also, use high-quality gas. Cheap gasoline lacks the detergents that help keep the injectors free of buildup.
If you drive short distances, consider having your injectors cleaned every 30,000 miles. Short-distance driving makes the nozzles more susceptible to heat soak. This is the process through which the waxy material is left behind when you turn off your engine.
Your car’s fuel system seems simple, but is actually complex. The individual components (i.e. pump, filter, injectors, etc.) are located in different areas, and work in unison to ensure your engine receives clean fuel with sufficient pressure. Meanwhile, your PCM controls the amount that ultimately ends up within the cylinders. Take steps to maintain this system since doing so will help prevent expensive damage later.
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