What is the principle of a fuel pump?
2 Answers
The principle of a fuel pump is to draw gasoline from the fuel tank and press it through the pipeline and fuel filter into the float chamber of the carburetor. It is precisely because of the fuel pump that the fuel tank can be placed at the rear of the car, far from the engine, and lower than the engine. An electric fuel pump does not rely on the camshaft to drive it but uses electromagnetic force to repeatedly move the pump diaphragm. This type of electric pump can be freely installed in various positions and can prevent vapor lock. The main installation forms of electric fuel pumps used in fuel-injected engines include being installed in the fuel supply line or inside the fuel tank. The former offers a wider range of installation options, does not require a specially designed fuel tank, and is convenient for installation and removal.
The working principle of the fuel pump is quite straightforward—it's responsible for drawing fuel from the gas tank and delivering it to the engine. In modern vehicles, it's typically an electric pump built inside the fuel tank. When the engine starts, a small electric motor is activated, driving the impeller to rotate and create suction, which draws up the gasoline, pressurizes it, and sends it to the fuel injectors. The key is maintaining constant pressure to prevent uneven fuel supply, which could affect engine performance. If the pressure regulator malfunctions, excess fuel flows back to the tank to prevent pipe bursts. When I once experienced a pump failure while driving, starting the car was particularly difficult, accompanied by a buzzing sound. Inspection revealed that dirty fuel had clogged the filter screen. Regularly using high-quality fuel and replacing the filter can significantly extend the pump's lifespan. Thinking about it now, this component is like the car's vascular system—if it's blocked, the whole vehicle breaks down. So, in daily driving, avoid frequently running on an empty tank, especially in hot weather, as it can cause vapor lock and damage the pump.
