Questions and Answers

Ford Fuel System Q. I Need information on the fuel system for a 1992 Ford Taurus Station Wagon. Does it have one fuel pump or two, fuel filter, etc.

A. Since you didn't have a specific question, I hope this information will help.

Fuel Pump

PURPOSE:
The electric fuel pump supplies the fuel injection system with pressure and amount of fuel required to operate. Vapor lock problems are considerably reduced. Vacuum created to "pull" the fuel reduces the boiling point of fuel in the system.

LOCATION:
Mounted on the fuel sender assembly in the fuel tank.

CONSTRUCTION:
The pump is a turbine type hydraulic unit directly coupled to a permanent magnet motor. Fuel is used as a lubricant and coolant for the motor. A check valve is incorporated in the fuel outlet and a pressure limiter valve is located on the pressure side of the fuel pump housing with a return passage to the fuel inlet side.

OPERATION;
When the rotor disc rotates, the rollers are pressed outwards by centrifugal force and act as a circulating seal. A pumping action is created by the circulating rollers which draw in fuel at the inlet port and force the fuel through the outlet port into the fuel system. When the pump is shut off, the check valve in the fuel outlet will close, therefore prohibiting the fuel from returning to the fuel tank via the fuel pump. The check valve will therefore maintain a pressure in the fuel lines called the "rest pressure".

The maximum fuel pump pressure (not fuel system pressure) is dependent on the calibration of the pressure limiter. If the fuel pump pressure exceeds a preset limit (for example a clogged fuel filter), the pressure limiter will open a by-pass to the fuel inlet side of the pump.

Fuel Filter

PURPOSE:
Clean fuel is extremely important in a fuel injection system. The filter traps dirt or contaminants before reaching the small orifice in the fuel injector tip.

LOCATION:
Fuel Pump Inlet:
The fuel strainer or filter is attached to the fuel pump inlet, in the fuel tank.

In-Line:
Additional filtration is provided by a high capacity in-line filter, located along the chassis frame rail.

Injector Screen:
The final line of defense against fuel contamination is in the fuel injector. Each injector contains its own inlet filter screen.

CONSTRUCTION:
Fuel Pump Inlet:
The fuel strainer or filter is constructed of woven plastic. The filter is self-cleaning and requires no maintenance.

In-Line
The high capacity in-line filter is one piece construction that cannot be cleaned.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA