Fuel Drain – What Can You Do About It?
Your vehicle’s fuel tank is an integral part of your car and has to be maintained properly to ensure it continues to function properly. Fuel is pumped into the tank through the fuel pump and as it leaves, it has to be siphoned off before it can leave the fuel tank and enter the engine.
This siphoning process is called flushing and occurs when the tank is full or almost full. Fuel left in the tank will collect in the fuel tank’s drain line, causing a buildup of sediment that can cause harmful leaks and damage your fuel tank. Fuel is added to and taken out of your car at an appropriate rate based on the gauge warning light.
There are several reasons why your fuel line may get clogged, including excessive mileage and rough use. Clogging may also occur if you have had your gas tank re-built. When the fuel is siphoned from the tank it goes through the drain line where it is forced through a filter. The filter absorbs the fuel and other contaminants, keeping them from entering your vehicle. If the filter becomes clogged, you should change it right away. This is very easy to do and most auto shops will do this for free.
The easiest way to ensure fuel security is to avoid having your gas tank fill-up. When you fill up, the fuel pump pulls the fuel from the tank to start your car. It takes fuel from the tank, pumps it into the engine, and then siphons it away before the engine can begin working. It is important not to overfill your fuel tank or you may run out of fuel before you even reach a gas station to refill.
Many older vehicles have a “wet” fuel drain line. This means that any liquid that could spill onto the pan and get into your fuel is transferred into the drain by your car’s pressure system. These types of drains are rust-resistant and are made of galvanized steel or copper. They will last a long time, but a car’s engine is constantly adding liquids to its fuel system. Over time, these drains become clogged with grease, oil, and other debris. A drain line that becomes clogged with debris will decrease fuel efficiency.
You should always keep a clean, new drain line. It’s especially important if you live in an area where there is frequent rain or snow. Clogged drains can prevent the fuel from draining through them, so it may take longer to fill up at a station than it would on a vehicle without a clogged drain line. This will cost you money because you will be waiting longer to refuel.
If you notice that you put petrol in a diesel car by mistake and drove it, then you should take a trip to your local auto shop to have your fuel system looked at. It is very common for older cars to start leaking fuel when they become clogged with sediment and other materials. In most cases, these repairs can be done very inexpensively and they do not take much time. However, if you notice a steady stream of losing fuel, then you need to make sure that your fuel drain is working properly. You should contact your local auto repair shop to make sure that your car’s fuel system is in good working order.
