Fuel Filter: Description and Operation
Fuel System Description
Fuel System Overview
Description and Operation
Fuel Sender Assembly
The fuel sender assembly consists of the following major components:
* The fill limit vent valve (1)
* The fuel tank pressure sensor (2)
* The fuel feed pipe (3)
* The fuel pump (4)
* The fuel level sensor (5)
* The fuel pressure regulator (6)
* The fuel sender assembly (7)
Fuel Level Sensor
Descriptive:
The fuel level sensor consists of a float, a wire float arm, and a ceramic resistor card. The position of the float arm indicates the fuel level. The fuel level sensor contains a variable resistor which changes resistance in correspondence with the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. The engine control module (ECM) sends the fuel level information via the class 2 circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This information is used for the instrument panel (I/P) fuel gage and the low fuel warning indicator, if applicable. The ECM also monitors the fuel level input for various diagnostics.
Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is mounted in the fuel sender assembly reservoir. The fuel pump is an electric high pressure pump. Fuel is pumped to the fuel rail at a specified flow and pressure. Excess fuel from the fuel rail assembly returns to the fuel tank through the fuel return pipe. The fuel pump delivers a constant flow of fuel to the engine even during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The engine control module (ECM) controls the electric fuel pump operation through a fuel pump relay. The fuel pump flex pipe acts to dampen the fuel pulses and noise generated by the fuel pump.
Fuel Strainer
The fuel strainer attaches to the lower end of the fuel sender. The fuel strainer is made of woven plastic. The functions of the fuel strainer are to filter contaminants and to wick fuel. The fuel strainer is self-cleaning and normally requires no maintenance. Fuel stoppage at this point indicates that the fuel tank contains an abnormal amount of sediment or water.
Fuel Feed Pipe
The fuel feed pipe carries fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel rail assembly. The fuel pipes consist of 2 sections:
* The rear fuel pipe assembly is located from the top of the fuel tank to the chassis fuel pipe. The rear fuel pipe is constructed of nylon.
* The chassis fuel pipe is located under the vehicle and connect the rear fuel pipe to the fuel rail pipe. This pipe is constructed of steel and braided reinforced hose.
Nylon Fuel Pipe
Warning: Refer to Fuel and Evaporative Emission Pipe Warning (Service Precautions).
Nylon pipes are constructed to withstand maximum fuel system pressure, exposure to fuel additives, and changes in temperature. There are 2 sizes of nylon pipes used: 3/8 in ID for the fuel feed, and 1/2 in ID for the vent. Heat resistant rubber hose or corrugated plastic conduit protect the sections of the pipes that are exposed to chafing, high temperature, or vibration.
Nylon fuel pipes are somewhat flexible and can be formed around gradual turns under the vehicle. However, if nylon fuel pipes are forced into sharp bends, the pipes kink and restrict the fuel flow. Also, once exposed to fuel, nylon pipes may become stiffer and are more likely to kink if bent too far. Take special care when working on a vehicle with nylon fuel pipes.
Quick-Connect Fittings
Quick-connect fittings provide a simplified means of installing and connecting fuel system components. The fittings consist of a unique female connector and a compatible male pipe end. O-rings, located inside the female connector, provide the fuel seal. Integral locking tabs inside the female connector hold the fittings together.
Fuel Pipe O-Rings
O-rings seal the threaded connections in the fuel system. Fuel system O-ring seals are made of special material. Service the O-ring seals with the correct service part.
Fuel Rail Assembly
The fuel rail assembly attaches to the engine intake manifold. The fuel rail assembly performs the following functions:
* Positions the injectors (2) in the intake manifold
* Distributes fuel evenly to the injectors
* Integrates the fuel pressure regulator with the fuel metering system
Fuel Injectors
The Multec 3.5 fuel injector assembly is a solenoid operated device, controlled by the engine control module (ECM), that meters pressurized fuel to a single engine cylinder. The ECM energizes the high-impedance (12 ohms) injector solenoid (2) to open a normally closed ball valve (3). This allows fuel to flow into the top of the injector, past the ball valve, and through a director plate at the injector outlet. The director plate has four machined holes that control the fuel flow, generating a spray of finely atomized fuel at the injector tip. Fuel from the injector tip is directed at the intake valve, causing it to become further atomized and vaporized before entering the combustion chamber. An injector stuck partly open can cause a loss of pressure after engine shutdown. Consequently, long cranking times would be noticed on some engines.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
The fuel pressure regulator is a diaphragm operated relief valve. The fuel pump pressure is on one side of the regulator and the regulator spring pressure is on the other side. The function of the fuel pressure regulator is to maintain a constant fuel pressure under all of the operating conditions. The pressure regulator DOES NOT compensate for the engine load by increasing the fuel pressure as the engine intake manifold vacuum drops. The vent on the fuel pressure regulator is an atmospheric vent only. The fuel pressure regulator is mounted on the fuel tank module.
Fuel Metering Modes of Operation
Description and Operation