Getting To Know Your Engine: Surge Tanks

How Surge Tanks Work In Your Semi-Truck's Diesel Engine

Next up in our series on the parts that make up your semi-truck's diesel engine, we will be discussing how your engine uses surge tanks to make sure it has the proper amount of fuel for high-speed driving. If you've had any questions regarding surge tanks, then you've come to the right place. To help you learn more about how surge tanks work, our experts have written the following article. Read on to learn more about surge tanks!

What Does A Diesel Engine Surge Tank Do?

A surge tank is an important part of any turbo's fuel system. They are designed to stop your engine from starving of fuel. The surge tank is utilized in automotive applications to ensure that the inlet to the fuel pump always has enough fuel. It is typically used in trucks with electronic fuel injection or in those that will be sustaining high lateral acceleration loads for extended periods.

How Does A Diesel Engine Surge Tank Work?

A fuel surge tank uses two flows to generate a constant supply of fuel to the engine. The lift-fuel pump will use fuel from the engine's tank while additional fuel that the pressure regulator returns will be circulated back into the surge tank. If the fuel delivery from the fuel tank is reduced due to low gas levels or extreme weather conditions, there will still be a consistent supply of fuel.

What Is The Purpose of a Fuel Surge Tank?

Surge tanks let your pump continuously use fuel so you won't have to think about your engine starving. Making sure there is a constant level of fuel enhances your chance to use the power your engine produces. If the fuel supply in your truck suddenly fails, there are high chances that your engine will take a lot of damage, especially at high power outputs.

How Do I Know If My Surge Tank Hose Needs To Be Replaced?

Without a properly functioning surge tank, your truck will not be able to properly supply itself with fuel. This means that a malfunctioning surge tank can be disaster for your truck, leading to costly repairs. There are several ways to make sure your surge tank is up to snuff. Here are a few things you can lookout for when determining whether you need a new surge tank.

1. Leaking under the side of the truck: The surge tank hose has been known to come in contact with hot engine parts. If this happens too often, a hole can cause hot fluid to leak.

2. Hose is swelling: if oil gets inside or on the outside of the hose, it's prone to swelling as well. If you notice that the surge tank hose is swollen, it should be replaced immediately before it ruptures and causes extensive engine damage.

3. Engine is overheating: Common overheating problems are caused by a surge tank hose that is broken and causing more coolant to escape.

4. Hose is cracked or damaged: IF the hose is cracked or damaged it can lead to more costly repairs in the future.

Read More About Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines

Have you been researching diesel engines and the components that help make sure your vehicle runs smoothly? If so, then you have arrived at the perfect place! For those that have been looking up diesel engines, our team of experts have written the following articles. Click on any of the links below to read more about engine parts!

· Getting To Know Your Engine

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Camshafts

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Turbochargers

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Rocker Arms

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Fuel Injectors

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Pumps

· Getting To Know Your Engine: Flywheels

Shop Now For Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Parts

If you've been hunting for the perfect engine parts for your semi-truck, then look no further. To make sure you have access to the parts you need, we have a full catalogue of components for you to choose from. No matter what parts you are looking for, you won't have any trouble finding them in our massive inventory. Shop now for heavy-duty engine parts!