Fuel Systems: Gasoline Fuel Systems: Gasoline fuel system principles
Gasoline fuel
 
Gasoline is a mixture of nearly 300 different components, mainly hydrocarbons, which vary widely in physical and chemical properties. The properties of gasoline must be balanced to give satisfactory engine performance over a wide range of operating conditions including heat, altitude, and driving patterns. The more effectively liquid gasoline is changed into vapor, the more efficiently it burns in the engine.
 
Gasoline fuel characteristics
 
The most important characteristic of gasoline is its Research Octane Number (RON) or octane rating, which is a measure of how resistant gasoline is to premature detonation (knocking).
 
Controlling fuel burn
 
Detonation is a violent collision of flame fronts in the cylinder, caused by uncontrolled combustion. The sudden rise in pressure can cause a knocking sound.
 
Stoichiometric ratio
 
Stoichiometric ratio is the air-fuel ratio necessary for complete combustion.
 
Air density
 
The density of air is its mass per unit volume.
 
Fuel supply system
 
EFI is a circulation system. A pump draws fuel from the tank and sends it to solenoid-operated injection valves, where pressure is maintained by a fuel pressure regulator. Excess fuel flows back to the tank through a return line.
 
Pressure & vacuum
 
As air pressure is reduced, a vehicle has to reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio.