The Different Types of Diesel Fuel Pumps

diesel fuel pumps

The diesel engine is a self-ignition engine which means the combustion occurs by itself. But the combustion in this engine does not reflect instantly. To make it happen, there are at least two things that trigger the cause of combustion, the first one is high-pressure air with a temperature higher than the flashpoint of the diesel fuel, and the second one is the fuel is atomized or pulverized in the high-pressure air. If these two triggers are fulfilled, then the combustion will occur spontaneously.

On the other hand, diesel fuel pumps act as the core of all diesel engines. The quality of the diesel fuel pump will ensure and guarantee the smoothness of the operation of your diesel vehicle with minimal problems. If you buy or install a reconditioned fuel pump, it can reduce engine overheating, increase engine life, and improve overall performance.

A diesel fuel pump is also referred to as a diesel fuel injection pump. It is complex mechanical equipment in which its mechanism is used to pump fuel from the fuel tank into the carburetor. A diesel fuel pump is considered one of the most important components to make the car run. It uses pressure to pump fuel from the fuel tank to the injectors. No wonder that it is common to call a diesel fuel pump a diesel fuel injector pump. 

In this article, we have listed the three different types of diesel fuel pumps and their functions.

1. Distributor Pump Type

A distributor pump is a kind of injection pump with a smaller design. This kind of pump serves as a solution for vehicles with limited space and manipulated with various sensors, an electronic control unit, and an actuator. 

The distributor pump’s main feature is the injection system. The distributor type uses a single plunger for all injectors, while the inline type uses one plunger for one injector. The pump works when the plunger presses all the fuel in each fuel barrel, and it is placed around the pump shaft.

When the pump shaft rotates, the plunger will alternately press the fuel through the fuel barrel according to the ignition timing. This kind of pump might have a smaller design, but it does not have high fuel pressure. In conclusion, this type of fuel pump is usually not commonly used in high-capacity diesel engines.

2. Continuous Pump

This pump is the latest type of diesel injection pump and the most widely applied pump type today. It is commonly applied to direct injection systems. Its primary function is to increase fuel pressure stably at high pressure and generated by 30,000 – 40,000 PSI. This kind of pump also regulates the timing and volume of sprayed fuel. That is why it is reasonable to say that its form is concise. 

This type of pump works like a water pump which uses a turbine even though some types also use membranes. This pump will suppress the fuel and hold the fuel pressure at the limit applied.

3. Individual Inline Pump

Individual inline pumps follow the basic operating principle and configuration. This includes a pumping element and delivery valve for each engine cylinder. It is organized in a straight line up to 12 cylinders. 

An individual pump mechanism comes with a fuel delivery system. This means that the injector will be served by a plunger mechanism. Thus, the plungers are placed together in one pump unit in a line position that causes this pump, usually called an inline injection pump. 

How does this work? It works when the crankshaft rotates, and the camshaft pump rotates also. The camshaft rotation will cause the cam to press against the plunger alternately. So, when the plunger is pressed against the cam, the fuel rises immediately, and that will cause the fuel to be sprayed from the injector.

Having knowledge about your vehicle’s exact type of diesel fuel pump is a must factor in case it shows signs of needing replacement. Signs of replacements can include sudden surges in speed, rising car temperatures, decreased gas mileage, and more.

If you experience any of these indicators, contact us if you need our services today!

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