How a Fuel Pressure Regulator Works
A fuel pressure regulator is a device fitted in a car to help maintain constant fuel pressure for appropriate fuel atomization. This fuel pressure regulator is included in every fuel-injected vehicle. Fuel injectors are fixed in the vehicle and need an exact amount of pressure at the nozzle during operation. Fuel pressure regulators help maintain a set pressure for a smooth running vehicle. The increase and decrease in the fuel flow is controlled by fuel injectors. The appropriate amount of fuel flow is also regulated by these injectors.
What Does the Fuel Pressure Do?
The fuel pressure regulator maintains proper pressure of fuel for the engine. The pressure of this spring is preset for the required amount of pressure. This pressure helps the pump to pump up required amounts of fuel needed for the operation. The exact pressure of the spring is maintained when the fuel is pumped. Extra fuel extracted from the tank is again sent to the fuel tank by the fuel return line. The vacuum hose attached to the fuel pressure regulator decreases the pressure level and a negligible amount of fuel is sucked inside the regulator when the vehicle is left idle. When the engine is accelerated, vacuum suction falls down and immediately recovers within a few seconds.
Things to Consider
Fuel pressure is affected by this sudden fall of vacuum suction. This happens because the fuel injectors open wide quite suddenly. A few moments are needed by the fuel injector to catch the pressure created. During these moments, the fuel regulator temporarily shuts the fuel return line. This helps in boosting up the fuel pressure for a few moments temporarily. Sensors are used by computer so as to determine air temperature, air density, engine load, throttle position, and engine temperature. Using this information, a computer decides the strategy that will result in the best performance of the engine taking into consideration emission, fuel economy, and power.
Differences in Location of Fuel Pressure Regulators
Fuel pressures and fuel pressure regulators differ for each vehicle. The place where the fuel pressure regulator is located is not the same for every vehicle either. Use your auto manual to identify the location of your regulator. No matter where the fuel pressure regulator is located, the work done is the same in all vehicles.
Importance of Maintaining the Appropriate Fuel Pressure
When a fuel pressure regulator is malfunctioning and fails to maintain the setup pressure, it may result in leakage, leading to malfunctioning of the engine. When a fuel pressure regulator is not working properly, there are several consistent indicators. When you start the vehicle you may see black smoke exiting the exhaust. Other signs include a rough running engine that stumbles. A fouled spark plug is another sign of possible bad fuel pressure regulator. It is necessary to maintain the fuel pressure regulator properly in order to ensure the proper running of the vehicle.
