Fix It

All engines have some source of energy (fuel), whether that energy is electricity, gasoline, hydrogen or some other source. And because all vehicles have engines, all vehicles therefore need an energy source. If the energy source is a liquid fuel such as gasoline, the design of the vehicle typically requires a way to get the liquid fuel from the gas tank to the carburetor and fuel system. In most vehicles, this method is the fuel pump. There are different types of fuel pumps, and what follows is an explanation of the different types and where theyre found.

Mechanical Pumps

Mechanical fuel pumps are one of the two main types of fuel pumps. These pumps are used on carburated engines. They are called mechanical pumps because they operate mechanically---meaning, their operation is dependent on the turning of a cam shaft, which manipulates a lever that pulls on a diaphragm; the diaphragm operates valves that allow fuel out of the tank and into the fuel system. These pumps are low-pressure pumps and operate at only about 4 to 6 psi. They typically are mounted on the engine.

Electric Pumps

Electric fuel pumps are the second main type of fuel pump. Theyre used on engines with fuel injection systems. These pumps dont require an eccentric cam on a cam shaft to operate, and they can operate at much higher pressures than mechanical fuel pumps. Most electric fuel pumps operate at 30 to 40 psi. Some fuel injection systems make use of two electric fuel pumps: One is mounted in the tank, and the other is mounted on or near the engine.

Turbo Pumps

A third type of fuel pump is not as well-known, because it is found only in jet and rocket engines. These pumps are called turbo pumps. They are centrifugal and get their propulsion from either a ram-air device or a gas turbine.

Safety

Of the two main types of fuel pumps, electric pumps are considered the safest. This is because they often make use of two separate devices. The first device is an electronic control unit (ECU), which is designed to stop the pump from operating in the instance of an accident. The second device is an inertia switch. This switch keeps the pump from operating if it senses that the vehicle has overturned. Also, the placement of the electric fuel pump within the gas reduces the risk of a fire, because liquid gasoline is less combustible than gasoline vapors.

Pros and Cons

There are pros and cons to both the main types of fuel pumps. Manual pumps can be easier and cheaper to replace than electrical fuel pumps, because the electrical pump has different components and is submerged in gasoline. However, electrical fuel pumps are more efficient than mechanical pumps due to their ability to run at higher pressures, and because they are becoming the standard type of pump on vehicles, the right electrical fuel pump may be easier to find if it needs replacing than a mechanical pump.

Contaminated engine oil can result in costly damage to your motor. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your cars engine. It also cools, cleans and prevents corrosion. Oil contaminated by water can cause serious damage to your engine. Contamination can occur through a leaking or blown gasket or severe weather. The water thins the oil and reduces its effectiveness. Symptoms of water in your oil pump include oil levels increasing and coolant levels decreasing. You will need to change the oil immediately in order to prevent extensive and expensive damage to your cars engine.

Instructions

1

Drive the car around the block to heat the oil. Heated oil drains better from the engine block.

2

Turn off the engine and set the parking brake firmly. Put on the gloves and use the jack to raise the front of the car. Place the jack stands beneath the outer edges of the cars front frame. Place the chocks around the rear wheels.

3

Locate the oil pan drain plug under the raised car. Slightly loosen the plug by turning the nut to the left with the socket wrench. Place the newspaper under the plug and the oil filter. Slide the drain pan under the hole and pull the plug out. The contaminated engine oil will drain out of the car.

4

Remove the oil filter with the oil filter wrench carefully. The filter will be full of hot oil. Pour the oil into the drain pan and set the filter aside.

5

Open the hood and take off the oil filler cap. Wait one hour for the contaminated oil to completely drain out of your vehicle.

6

Insert the new oil filter and secure it in place with the wrench. Use the socket wrench to put the plug back into the oil pan. Slide the drain pan out from under the car.

7

Put the funnel into the oil filler hole and pour one can of engine oil into the car. Pour the engine oil flush and replace the oil filler cap.

8

Start your car and let the engine run for three to five minutes.

9

Turn the engine off and repeat the oil change process one more time. You do not need to add engine oil flush this time.

10

Close the hood, and use the jack to lower the car. Remove the newspaper, jack stands and wheel chocks.