Lesson 4. Fuel system defects

Notes:

Derangements in the fuel system are most likely to occur at the fuel measuring pumps. These pumps must handle a very small amount of oil at high pressure on each stroke and in order to do this the suction and discharge valves must be kept in perfect condition. A frequent source of trouble with these valves is dirt or grit in the oil. A small particle of sand or a thread qf waste under a valve will cause it to leak. Good strainers should be provided in the fuel oil supply line to the pumps and the strainers should be cleaned frequently. The pump plungers should be very carefully packed to prevent leakage of oil outward and air inward. Accumu­lation of air in the pumps will cause either irregular supply of fuel to the engine or stoppage. Stoppage of fuel supply to any one cylinder throws extra load on the other cylinders when the governor acts to increase the pumps discharge. Repeated regrinding of the pump suction valves will require careful checking of the pump timing.

Combustion defects

Normally the combustion in each power cylinder should be smokeless and complete and occur early in the stroke. Insufficient breaking up of the oil during injection will cause slow and incomplete burning and may be the result of clogged fuel nozzles, oil too cold or incorrect timing. Other causes of incomplete burning are compression too low, injection valves not correctly timed and air inlet pipes clogged.