Since the fuel tank is on the opposite end of the car from the engine, a fuel pump is required to direct gasoline to the engine. There are two types: mechanical (for carbureted vehicles) and electric (for cars with electronic fuel injection systems). Auto mechanics should use electronic fuel pumps. A carburetor is a fuel delivery mechanism that uses a simple vacuum principle to deliver fuel to the engine. The vacuum that draws the air-fuel mixture into the engine also draws fuel down the line into the engine. Since the system does not use a pre-existing force (such as a vacuum) to draw fuel down the line, the fuel pump must be located at the fuel source, either inside or next to the fuel tank.
A mechanical fuel pump (for carbureted vehicles) is a fuel delivery mechanism that uses a simple vacuum principle to deliver fuel to the engine. The vacuum that draws the air-fuel mixture into the engine also draws fuel down the line into the engine. However, extra help is needed, so a carburized engine has a mechanical fuel pump that relies on the rotation of the engine, so, in a carburized car, it sits next to the engine. The carburetor ensures that the proper mixture of gasoline and air enters the engine for combustion.
Electronic fuel injection by electric fuel pump (for cars with electronic fuel injection system) is a delivery system that injects a fine mist of fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine. Controlled by a computer, the system closely monitors factors such as throttle position, air-fuel ratio and displacement. Since the system does not use a pre-existing force (such as a vacuum) to draw fuel down the line, the fuel pump must be located at the fuel source, either inside or next to the fuel tank. The fuel pump is electronic, which means it is driven and controlled electronically. At times, its work can be identified by a soft but steady hum from the rear of the car.
Fuel pump failures are not uncommon, especially in cars equipped with electronic fuel injection systems. Usually when it breaks down the car crackles and dies, basically a car with this kind of breakdown, even if it has gas in the tank, acts as if it’s out of gas. Fuel pump failure can be checked by checking the system’s Check the fuel delivery side to confirm; if no fuel is delivered to the engine, the fuel pump is likely to be faulty. Replacing an electronic fuel pump can be a tricky job. In some cars, the electronic fuel pump is located in an area that is easily accessible from under the car. Other vehicles have an access panel on the inside of the car that can be removed to access the fuel pump. There are also cars that require the tank to be siphoned and removed, or removed before accessing the fuel pump. The latter type of car is usually the most laborious replacement job.
