Turbo & Supercharger

Description:

A turbocharger uses an exhaust-gas driven turbine wheel, which drives a compressor wheel to boost air delivery to the engine. A supercharger uses mechanically driven rotors, usually from a belt, to boost air delivery to the engine.

Purpose:

Turbochargers and superchargers enable increased burning of air and fuel by forcing more of it into the engine’s cylinders, thereby improving an engine’s breathing characteristics.

Maintenance Tips / Suggestions

Check your car’s owner’s manual for maintenance requirements of the turbocharger or supercharger. The turbocharger or supercharger on your car’s engine will last for many thousands of kilometres if cared for properly through a regular engine maintenance regimen. This includes regular oil and filter changes, engine performance check-ups, and cooling system maintenance. If you notice that engine performance drops off, that the engine is using oil, or notice other problems with coolant temperature or oil pressure, it’s wise to have these looked into as soon as possible by a qualified professional.

Fuel Storage

Description:

The fuel tank is usually made of stamped steel or plastic. The tank is held in place with steel straps. In some cases, a bracket-and-strap arrangement is used.

Purpose:

The fuel tank stores gasoline for the engine, holds the electric fuel pump and sending unit, and provides a connection to the vapour collection/recovery components of the emissions system. The tank also has a filler neck, which restricts fuelling to unleaded fuel nozzles. On 1996 and newer cars, the mouth of the filler neck is designed specially for OBDII-compatible gas caps.

Maintenance Tips / Suggestions

Unless damaged, fuel tanks last for the life of the vehicle. On many cars, the fuel tank needs to be removed in order to replace the fuel pump. On 1996 and newer cars, a light on the dash, labelled SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE may turn on if the gas cap is left loose after refuelling. Make sure the gas cap is always installed properly after you refuel. Turn the cap to the right until it clicks in place.

Fuel Pump

Description:

A mechanical fuel pump is most often used on cars with carburetors. This type of pump produces low pressure and is usually driven by the engine. Cars all use electric fuel pumps nowadays because of the universal application of fuel injection and its need for higher pressures. Electric fuel pumps are almost always located inside the gas tank, but there are some applications where the pump may be located along the frame or uni-body channel. The pump has a strainer at its pickup to filter out contaminants and uses an electric motor for power. Fuel is used as a lubricant and coolant for the motor. The electric fuel pump has its own electrical control circuit, typically consisting of wiring, a fuse and a relay. This circuit interacts with the car’s powertrain control module (PCM), which governs and monitors fuel pump operation.

Purpose:

The fuel pump provides fuel with the proper pressure and volume for delivery by the carburetor or fuel injection system. The electric fuel pump circuit also employs various safeties that stop the pump from running in the event of an accident.

Maintenance Tips / Suggestions

Mechanical fuel pumps require no maintenance, but should be replaced at the first sign of a problem. Pressure or volume may drop off, giving an early warning sign of impending pump failure. A professional service technician can usually identify a pump problem quickly. With fuel-injected vehicles, regular fuel filter changes can help extend the life of the electric fuel pump. It’s best to replace the filter every two years or 40,000 kilometres. A contaminated filter can restrict fuel flow from the electric fuel pump, eventually taking a toll on its life.

You can also help protect the pump by keeping the tank at least half-full at all times. Since fuel cools the pump, having plenty of fuel in the tank helps keep the pump from getting too warm, which could damage it.

Another good reason to keep the gas tank at least half-full is to reduce the chances of sediment pick-up at the fuel pump inlet strainer. A restricted strainer can starve the pump, causing it to overheat and fail. If you own a Ford or Lincoln-Mercury vehicle, check your owner’s manual for the location of the fuel pump shut-off switch. This switch is designed to electrically disconnect the fuel pump in the event of an accident. Sometimes, an abrupt jarring of your car may be enough to cause this switch to open. It’s good to know where the switch is so you can try resetting it if your car does not start.

A faulty electric fuel pump can cause various symptoms including a loud pump whine, engine no-start, hesitation, poor performance and stalling. If your car demonstrates any of these performance problems, have it checked out by a qualified service technician. Replacing the fuel pump generally involves removal of the fuel tank.