Guide to Identifying and Fixing Low Fuel Pressure in the Your Machines

excavator machine maintenance

When operating industrial or construction machines, the operators may sometimes face low fuel pressure issues. However, what causes low fuel pressure? There are a few common reasons, which we will explore, including the identifying factors, and how to fix them.

What causes low fuel pressure?

Heavy equipment may often undergo several issues as they go through aggressive and frequent use. So, to understand what causes low fuel pressure in heavy machinery, we must identify the three common reasons.

 1. Fuel pump malfunction

The symptoms: The fuel pump that moves fuel to your machine’s engine is not operating at full force. As a result, your machine is not receiving enough fuel pressure to function efficiently. So, the machine experiences:

  • A clogged screen filter that creates difficulty in starting a machine. A screen filter’s role is to keep large debris from entering the fuel system. However, when this screen filter gets clogged, it causes challenges for the machine to start properly, backfire, or accelerate. Therefore, by checking the state of the screen filter, you can either remove, clean or replace it. You may consider buying a new screen filter if the debris has damaged the old one.
  • A battery of a specific voltage is used in the fuel pump to move the fuel through the machine. If the voltage is too low, the fuel pump will not have sufficient power, resulting from a weak or dead battery, or a wiring issue.
  • The ignition controls the fuel pump relay and the power current that is sent to the fuel pump. If the fuel pump is defective, the engine will stall or not start, in which case, you can replace the defective fuel pump.

 2. A failed regulator

A regulator regulates and adjusts the fuel pressure in the machine’s system. It ensures that the pressure never gets too low or high. However, if the regulator fails in its functionality, you may observe the following problems:

  • The engine fails to start or is misfiring while being started
  • Black smoke is released from the exhaust
  • Operations run sluggishly with accelerating and decelerating issues
  • The engine utilises fuel faster than it should

It is extremely important to repair or replace the regulating element before excessively high fuel pressure levels in the machine create a danger to the operators around.

 3. Fuel lines problems

The fuel line carries fuel from the machine’s gas tank to the entire system, but a problem with the fuel line can cause:

  • Overheat
  • Stalling
  • Starting issues

Identifying what causes low fuel pressure here too is necessary, so here are the factors that contribute to it:

  • Clogged fuel lines that cause the machine to not start or will sputter and eventually shut down.
  • Leaking fuel lines that cause excess diesel fuel to drip. If you’ve been filling up your engine with fuel more than often, check the ground under your machine, and check if there is a leak.
  • If you notice excess smoke, get a foul smell, or observe fuel discolouration, your fuel is contaminated probably due to a dirty filter. Clear out your engine from all the contaminated fuel, and dispose of it appropriately. Also, make sure to note when you purchased the fuel.
  • Please ensure to check if your machine is not running because of a scarcity of fuel. Neglecting this part can cause the motor to overheat, the engine to overwork, and the fuel pressure to run low.

Identifying the best ways to fix low fuel pressure problems

You may notice engine trouble, machine performance issues, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and many other signs as stated above. Here’s how you fix the problems:

  • Check for visible signs of fuel leaks by starting with your gas tank. It should be full by a minimum of a quarter of the tank with quality fuel. 
  • Check the fuel line that is well-connected, and not broken, leaking fuel, or out of place.
  • Make sure that all connections are properly plugged into your machine’s battery and the rest of the machine system.
  • Check your screen filter and relay element to identify if they are damaged, and replace them if necessary.
  • Lastly, if none of the above indicate any visible issues then check your pressure regulator by using a fuel pressure gauge. 

So, now that you know what causes low fuel pressure problems, it should be easy to identify and carry out corrective measures.

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