4 Types of Fuel Injection Systems for Auto Parts Specialists

auto parts careers
It doesn’t take an automotive professional to know that engines need fuel to operate. However, many do not know how that fuel makes the engine run once it’s pumped into the tank. Engines combust a mix of fuel and air inside their chambers in order the move the pistons that create the vehicle’s forward and backwards motion. This motion is transferred to the wheels, which makes the car drive. However, how the fuel is delivered to the cylinders depends on the type of fuel injection system present in the vehicle. Different types of injection systems yield very different results.

As an aspiring auto parts specialist, you will excel during your career by knowing many different options for vehicle parts. Get a head start on your training by reading about the four different types of fuel injection systems used in vehicles.

1. Auto Parts Specialists Might Know the Throttle Body Injection System

The throttle body injection (TBI) system is one of the first types of injection systems ever used by vehicles. Before TBI, vehicles used a carburetor. A carburetor delivers fuel to the engine when incoming air sucks fuel through a tube into the combustion chambers. Fuel would mix with air and produce the energy needed to power the engine. Although carburetors served their purpose, they were highly inaccurate and typically resulted in a loss of fuel.

TBIs work in a manner very similar to a carburetor. The fuel is still sucked into the cylinders because of the suction created by the engine. However, TBIs are controlled by an electronic computer within the vehicle. The computer provides more accuracy by determining the amount of fuel that should be deposited into the engine. This accuracy ensures less fuel is wasted and allows the vehicle to run more efficiently.

2. Pros with Auto Parts Careers Should Know the Multi-Port Fuel Injection System

Multi-port fuel injection (MPFI) systems operate just how their name implies: with multiple intake ports. As professionals with auto parts careers likely know, they are a step up from throttle body injection systems, which only have a single port.

MPFIs are mounted onto each intake port. These intake ports are located just on the outside of the engine’s cylinders. In MPFI, each cylinder receives its own direct spray of fuel. So in a six-cylinder engine, there would be six injection ports.

All individual injectors spray at the same time. This can sometimes lead to issues when leftover fuel is left behind while waiting for the next intake period. The fuel may condense into a liquid form and then be rendered unusable by the engine. Although MPFI is more efficient than TBI, sequential fuel injection offers even better fuel efficiency.

3. Auto Parts Specialists Might Know About the Sequential Fuel Injection System

Sequential fuel injection systems are almost exactly the same as MPFI. However, their one critical difference overcomes the main issue with MPFI systems. Sequential, otherwise known as timed injection, triggers each nozzle individually at the optimized time to ensure all the fuel makes it into the intake valve. This process can help reduce fuel waste. In addition, it provides the most optimized ratio of fuel to air in the combustion chambers. As an auto parts specialist, you may come to know this helps the vehicle operate with higher levels of efficiency.

auto parts specialist
A sequential fuel injection system offers higher levels of fuel efficiency

4. Pros with Auto Parts Careers Should Know the Direct Injection System

Direct injection systems differ from other fuel injection systems because they bypass the intake valves and deposit fuel straight into the cylinder’s combustion chamber.

Throughout your career, you will most likely encounter direct injection systems in diesel vehicles. Direct injection has been used in diesel engines since 1920 and has been used in gasoline aircrafts since World War 2. However, performance vehicle manufacturers like Audi and BMW are beginning to use the direct injection system in their vehicles as well. Because the fuel is sprayed right into the engine, it offers high levels of power and efficiency, which is ideal for performance vehicles.

Are you interested in enrolling in automotive parts training?

Contact an advisor at Automotive Training Centres today!

Form is submitting