We here at Righter’s Auto Repair can handle just about anything your automobile throws our way. This includes fuel system problems. You don’t need us to tell you that your vehicle cannot run without gas, and one of the most common problems in a fuel system is a clog. Let’s talk about fuel system problems we repair every day and how these problems affect our customers’ vehicles.
1. Bad Fuel Pump
The fuel pump feeds the fuel injectors the steady stream of gas they need to keep your engine’s combustion going. The fuel pump can get clogged with dirt and sediment and the motor can also overheat and/or die. If the fuel pump has gone bad or is clogged, you won’t get enough gas in your engine and it will lag, stutter, stall, or refuse to start.
2. Clogged Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors have special nozzles that spray the gasoline into the cylinders or intake manifold. The fuel injectors can get clogged by carbon buildup and dirt. They can also crack and leak fuel onto other parts. If the injectors are clogged, your engine will suffer the same performance issues discussed above. You might smell gas and see black exhaust if the injectors are leaking.
3. Dead Fuel Sending Unit
The fuel sending unit is not the same part as the fuel pump. Rather, this is the part that floats in your gas tank to let you know how much gas you have left. Signs of a bad fuel sending unit include the fuel gauge not moving at all or moving erratically. In some cases, the sending unit’s float arm just gets stuck. In other cases, the unit is malfunctioning and must be replaced.
4. Clogged Fuel Filter
The fuel filter should be replaced per your owner’s manual specifications because the mileage duration can vary greatly between automobile makes and models. The fuel filter is responsible for removing sediment and other contaminants from the gas before it’s circulated into your engine. The filter will clog over time and you’ll notice lagging, stuttering, and/or hard starts.
5. Loose Gas Cap
Finally, your gas cap is responsible for sealing off the tank. This helps prevent the gas from evaporating out of the tank and also ensures proper vacuum readings for the engine control unit (ECU). If the gas cap is loose, the ECU will turn on your check engine light. The cap could be loose because it wasn’t screwed back on properly or it’s cracked and can no longer seal off the tank.
We’ve got your vehicle fuel system problems covered here at Righter’s Auto Repair in Grand Ledge, MI. Schedule an appointment with us today.
