The mechanical version of a Kohler fuel pump works with the help of the camshaft’s eccentricity and a diaphragm. On the other hand, the electrical fuel pump works by generating high pressure onto the fuel pipes and maintaining it to increase the boiling point of the fuel.
How Does a Kohler Fuel Pump Work?
Kohler has been a reliable manufacturer and developer of automobile accessories over the years. The customers appreciate their modern manufacturing techniques, which have been demonstrated in the case of fuel pumps as well.
Types of Kohler Fuel Pump
Kohler mainly produces two types of fuel pumps, mechanical and electrical. How they work is explained in the following section.
Kohler Mechanical Fuel Pump
Although the mechanical version of a fuel pump is not that popular in recent days, Kohler has continued to manufacture them with a mix of new technologies. The eccentricity of the engine’s camshaft is what drives the Kohler mechanical fuel pump. Among the mechanical fuel pumps, the plunger-type and diaphragm pumps are the most common.
How It Works
The Kohler fuel pump works mainly with the help of the camshaft, which is driven by a horizontal shaft known as the crankshaft. When the crankshaft rotates, the cam goes under the pivot level. At the same time, it pushes the shaft at one end.
The other end is loosely connected to a rubber diaphragm, forming the bottom chamber of the fuel pump. Owing to the rotating effect of the camshaft, when the lever forces the diaphragm downward, a suction force is generated. This force pulls the fuel inside the pump from the fuel tank.
The two one-way check valves play their roles here. When the fuel is being sucked in through one of the check valves, it cannot go back to the fuel tank when the diaphragm comes back to its normal state.
As the continues to rotate, the return spring moves the lever back and the tension in the diaphragm is released. The first check valve does not allow the gasoline to return, therefore, it drains into the carburetor through the second check valve.
Kohler Electrical Fuel Pumps
Most modern automobiles are now using electrical fuel pumps as the means to supply fuel to the carburetor from the fuel tank. Kohler with its newly devised technology is one step ahead of other brands when it comes to electrical fuel pumps.
Apart from reducing the stress on the engine parts, Kohler electrical fuel pumps can also minimize the fuel consumption of the engine. This pump works by generating high pressure onto the fuel pipes and increasing the boiling point of the fuel.
How It Works
Upon switching on the ignition key, the Powertrain Control Module or PCM turns on the relay that supplies voltage to the Kohler electrical fuel pump. The pump incorporates a motor that starts spinning to increase the fuel system pressure, due to that voltage.
As the pressure increases, the fuel is sucked into the pump by a suction valve and through the inlet. Immediately after that, the fuel leaves the pump through the one-way check valve. It goes to the engine through a fuel pipeline and a filter.
The purpose of the filter is to catch the dust and debris from going into the pump. It also helps to eliminate the contaminants that may lead to fuel injector blockage. After the fuel reaches the engine’s fuel supply rails, various injectors are fed. The pump continues working as long as the ignition key is switched on.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump
A bad fuel pump can be a pain and you must replace them as soon as any of these symptoms occur.
Difficult Starts
In this case, the pump is not able to deliver adequate fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. This makes it difficult and dangerous to start and operate the automobile.
Lower Gas Mileage
This situation occurs when the pump valve does not properly open. As a result, the vehicle requires extra fuel to be injected to fill up the fuel tank.
Fuel Tank Noise
You might hear loud noises coming from the fuel tank, indicating that the fuel pump is damaged. The main cause behind this is the failure of the pump bearings.
Spluttering Engine
If the spluttering of the engine occurs while the vehicle thermometer is indicating a high temperature, this may very well be the issue of fuel pump motor failure. In case the issue is frequent with high temperatures, the pump most probably needs to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a Kohler electrical fuel pump last?
A Kohler electrical fuel pump should last at least 100,000 miles or more. If it doesn’t, then there may have been an issue with power loss, overheating, low fuel pressure, etc. This could also mean that you have exceeded the mileage milestone.
- Can I drive with a faulty fuel pump?
It is not advisable to drive with a faulty fuel pump as it will fail to supply the fuel system with constant fuel pressure. As a result, the vehicle will most probably not start, it may stall, or cause other problems.
- Where should I install my Kohler electrical fuel pump?
The Kohler electrical fuel pump should be installed as close to the fuel tank as possible. The construction should be such that the fuel can push quickly. In other words, the distance to the fuel delivery should be minimized.
- How do you clean a Kohler carburetor?
To clean a Kohler carburetor, you can use a carb cleaner, a wire brush, and a Phillips screwdriver using some basic steps. A flat screwdriver, a needle nose plier, and a wrench might help you.
Conclusion
Kohler has incorporated modern techniques to devise how their fuel pumps work. Regardless of the type, these pumps are easy to inspect and replace. The durability and long-lasting performance of these fuel pumps make them a favorite among customers.
