Common Fuel System Problems on Modern Vehicles
The fuel system is one of the most crucial systems in any internal combustion vehicle, providing the correct amount of fuel to the engine. Even the smallest issue in your fuel system can cause major disruptions in the performance of your vehicle, or even prevent the engine from running at all.
While modern fuel systems are fairly robust, there are still various failure points that could lead to issues. Tracking down a problem in this system can be difficult, as the issue could originate from the fuel quality to one of the many components.
In this article, we’ll cover the most common failures in modern fuel systems, how they can affect your vehicle, and how you can prevent issues like these in the future.
How Does The Fuel System Work?
The fuel system begins with the tank, where gasoline is stored and drawn by the fuel pump through the fuel lines and filter to the injectors to be atomized and injected within the combustion chamber. In older vehicles, carburation and throttle body injection were used instead of indirect injection.
Fuel pressure is generally regulated in two different ways depending on the type of fuel system your vehicle has: return-type or returnless-type. In a return-type system, a fuel pressure regulator controls pressure based on the strength of the vacuum from the intake system. A returnless-type fuel system instead uses a powertrain control module (PCM) to regulate pressure by using a pressure sensor in the supply rail and adjusting it accordingly.
Common Problems in Modern Fuel Systems
Faulty Fuel Pump
The fuel pump essentially acts as the heart of your fuel system, pumping the fuel through the fuel lines as you drive. As you can probably imagine, issues with the fuel pump can prevent the necessary amount of fuel from reaching your engine and in turn will result in lost power and efficiency or even the inability to run the vehicle at all.
Like any component used nearly constantly as your vehicle runs, the pump will eventually require replacement. Whether your fuel pump is mechanical or electric, the internal components and seals can wear over time, preventing your pump from moving the proper amount of fuel. Problems can also arise in electric pumps when an electrical connection is weak or lost, preventing the pump from operating correctly.
The symptoms of a failing fuel pump include difficulty starting the vehicle, rough engine operation, fluctuating engine RPM, a whining or squealing noise from the pump, or the vehicle stalling out while driving.
This problem is exacerbated when driving with low fuel levels, as fuel acts as lubrication and cooling for the pump. When driving near empty, the pump may overheat and cause the components of your pump to wear rapidly.
Fuel Injector Trouble
Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the combustion chamber, atomizing it in the process so it can effectively mix with the air to create a powerful combustive mixture.
Injectors use small nozzles to create this mist of fuel, however, carbon contaminants from burnt fuel or other debris can clog the small exit of the injector. When an injector becomes clogged, it can disrupt the injection of fuel to the cylinder or even prevent it entirely, potentially leading to a misfire in your engine.
Injectors may also become stuck open due to an internal issue, allowing fuel to leak into the combustion chamber prematurely and cause the engine to run rich, causing decreased fuel economy and engine performance.
The symptoms of a faulty injector are similar to a bad fuel pump, depriving the engine of the necessary fuel and causing inefficient operation, misfires, fluctuating engine RPM, or stalling.
Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator
As discussed earlier, the fuel pressure regulator is essential for maintaining the proper flow of fuel to the engine.
Mechanical pressure regulators (found in return-type systems) can encounter issues with internal components like the vacuum diaphragm, preventing it from properly controlling the pressure of fuel entering the engine. Issues in the vacuum lines can cause similar problems, such as a clogged or leaking hose.
The electric regulators found in returnless-type systems may fail due to internal electrical issues or a disrupted connection to the rest of the electrical system.
A faulty pressure regulator can cause your engine’s air-fuel ratio to be thrown out of wack, causing a drop in efficiency and power, a noisy fuel pump, and possibly misfires within the engine. A regulator causing a rich condition may lead to black smoke emanating from the tailpipe and a strong smell of gasoline.
Leaking Fuel Lines
Similar to the other problems on this list, a leaking fuel line can deprive your engine of the fuel it needs to run properly. The corrosive nature of gasoline can wear down these lines gradually over time, and eventually allow fuel to leak from the system.
Not only can this cause major issues in your motor, but it’s also a safety hazard. Gasoline can leak onto hot exhaust or engine components and ignite, potentially causing a fire in your engine. While rare, fuel leaks should be taken care of immediately to avoid a dangerous situation.
If you smell a strong odor of gasoline, especially when the car is off, you should have your vehicle inspected for a fuel leak.
How Can I Prevent Fuel System Issues?
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to keep your fuel system healthy and operating at its best, including:
- Use high-quality gasoline with protective additives
- Change your fuel filter every 12,000-15,000 miles
- Avoid driving often below a quarter tank of fuel
- Listen for the early sounds of failure from the pump
Fuel System Services in Naperville
If you’re experiencing issues with your fuel system or suspect a component is nearing failure, trust the expert technicians at Becker Service Center in Naperville to return yours to full operation and protect your system from further wear and damage. Our team has extensive training in servicing fuel systems on a large variety of makes and models. Give us a call today or schedule online today!