The fuel pump of an internal combustion engine transports fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injector or carburetor. The fuel is delivered under a pressure higher than the pressure of the injected or nebulized fuel.
Types of Fuel Pumps
Depending on the type of engine, there are different types of fuel pumps.
Injection Engines
- Mechanical Fuel Pump
- Electric Fuel Pump
Diesel Engines
- Mechanical Fuel Pump
-Electric Fuel Pump
-Injection Pump
-Distributor Fuel Pump
Mechanical Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is driven by the engine, usually through the camshaft or crankshaft. It is a positive displacement pump, which means that it moves a fixed amount of fuel with each stroke. The fuel pump is located near the fuel tank and is connected to the fuel injector or carburetor by a fuel line. The fuel pump operates continually when the engine is running.
Electric Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is driven by an electric motor. It is a centrifugal pump, which means that it uses a spinning impeller to move the fuel. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank and is submerged in the fuel. The fuel pump operates only when the engine is running.
Injection Pumps
An injection pump is a positive displacement pump that delivers a precise amount of fuel to each cylinder under high pressure. In Diesel engines, the injection pumps are also responsible for injecting a small quantity of lubricating oil, such as injector fuel, into the cylinder along with the fuel. This is not necessary in the case of gasoline engines, since they use separate lubrication and cooling systems.
Distributor Fuel Pump
Distributor fuel pumps are similar to injection pumps but work on a lower-pressure system. Diesel engines often utilize them in conjunction with the other types of fuel pumps. Distributor pumps usually feed fuel to all the other pumps or a set of injection pump cylinders before the fuel passes through the actual injectors.
Fuel Pump Components
The fuel pump is composed of several components, including:
- Fuel pump housing: The fuel pump housing is the main body of the pump. It houses the pump components and protects them from damage.
- Fuel pump inlet: The fuel pump inlet is the opening where the fuel enters the pump.
- Fuel pump outlet: The fuel pump outlet is the opening where the fuel exits the pump.
- Fuel pump impeller: The fuel pump impeller is a spinning component that moves the fuel.
- Fuel pump diaphragm: The fuel pump diaphragm is a flexible component that separates the fuel pump inlet and outlet.
Fuel Pump Problems
Fuel pumps can experience a variety of problems, including:
- Fuel pump failure: The fuel pump can fail due to a variety of reasons, including wear, tear, or damage.
- Fuel pump leaks: The fuel pump can leak due to a variety of reasons, including damage to the fuel pump housing or seals.
- Fuel pump noise: The fuel pump can make a variety of noises, including whining, squealing, or knocking.
If you experience any problems with your fuel pump, it is important to have it inspected and repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.
