What Are the 4 Major Parts of a Diesel Fuel System?

A typical diesel fuel system consists of four major parts. They are the fuel tank, Fuel injectors, Fuel Pump, and Transfer pump. Understanding what each one does to ensure proper diesel engine operation is beneficial to diagnosing problems.

Fuel tank

A fuel tank is one of the five major components of a typical diesel fuel system. The fuel tank’s life can vary greatly depending on the size and fuel content. Periodic exchange and treatment can increase tank life and reduce contaminant concentrations. Fuel with low sulfur content degrades more rapidly than high sulfur fuels. Fuel that has too much sulfur can also clog fuel filters and injectors.

There are two pumps in a diesel engine. One is called a lift pump, while the other is an injection pump. The lift pump transports fuel from the fuel tank to the injection pump. Its pressure side typically runs at low pressure, while the vacuum side can lift fuel up to seven feet. Occasionally, dirty fuel filters and deep keel tanks can overwhelm a lift pump, so checking the Airdog parts for these problems before driving a truck is crucial.

Fuel injectors

The five major components of a diesel fuel system are the fuel tank, pump, filter, injectors, and carburetor. Each of these components performs a specific function and must operate perfectly to give you the best performance. Therefore, when one part of the system is compromised, it will affect the performance of your car. 

The pressure pipe is one of the most critical parts of a diesel fuel system. It has to withstand pressure waves of up to 1800 bar, and the tiniest mark can cause it to break. A fuel valve is designed to inject fuel into the combustion chamber when the pressure wave reaches a predetermined strength.

Fuel pump

One of the essential parts of a diesel fuel system is the fuel pump. This part of the system provides the engine with the correct amount of diesel fuel to meet emission standards. Fuel pumps are categorized into two main types: common rail and mechanical. Standard rail pumps meter out diesel fuel to the common rail at high pressure. These pumps also provide a precise amount of diesel fuel to the cylinders.

Airdog Parts

The fuel pump module needs to be primed. This can be accomplished by turning on and off the ignition switch several times. If the engine does not start immediately after the pump is primed, the fuel pump may not produce the proper pressure to start the engine. If the engine stalls, it is likely caused by a problem with the powertrain control module, which controls the pump. If the fuel pump is the cause of this problem, it must be replaced.

Transfer pump

Diesel fuel systems use a transfer pump to deliver the fuel from the main fuel tank to the engine’s fuel injectors. This pump is driven by the engine’s fuel pump and is equipped with a secondary fuel filter. The pump’s technical data lists the maximum fuel flow the transfer pump can deliver while the engine is running at the full load factor. Typical diesel transfer pumps feature a safety valve and operate on a PTO drive.

The pump is equipped with several valves. The primary function of a transfer pump is to supply fuel to the engine. The valve controls the flow and limits suction in the fuel system. Transfer pumps have two types: belt drives and gear pumps. The latter is used in commercial applications.