Failure Analysis of Timing Device Piston and Supply Pump Vanes in Fuel Injection System for Transport Utility Vehicles

• Published in: Journal of failure analysis and prevention 2021-02, Vol.21 (1), p.172-178
• Main Authors: Deulgaonkar, Vikas, Joshi, Ketan, Jawale, Prasad, Bhutada, Sakshi, Fernandes, Sherly
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Classical Mechanics; Corrosion and Coatings; Cracks; Diesel engines; Failure analysis; Fuel combustion; Fuel injection; Fuel pumps; Materials Science; Quality Control; Reliability; Safety and Risk; Solid Mechanics; Technical Article > -Peer-Reviewed; Timing devices; Tribology; Vanes; Vehicles
• ISSN: 1547-7029; 1728-5674; 1864-1245
• DOI: 10.1007/s11668-020-01052-z

The present work deals with the failure analysis of timing device piston and vanes in supply pump of a fuel pump system used in transport utility vehicles. Investigations for evaluating the failure of timing device piston and supply pump in transport utility vehicles are carried out. Failure data of eighty fuel injection pumps used for diesel engines are collected and analysed in the present work. The fuel injection pumps considered in present work are distributer type. Cracks are observed on the surface of failed timing device piston, and this crack occurrence is accounted to insufficient fuel supply that leads to dry running and elevates the friction. The presence of fuel impurities also contributes to the failure of timing device piston. Elevated friction between vane and rotor (i.e. vane housing) has been identified as the root cause of vane and subsequently supply pump failure. Effects of vane failures are incomplete fuel combustion due to reduced pressure and efficiency of the engine. Reasons for the vane failure are dry running of pump, and rusts on the surface due water presence are identified. The failure effects of timing device piston and vanes of supply pump are discussed. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy of the failed components have been carried out. Remedial actions to avoid the failure of timing device piston and vanes of supply pump have been suggested in the present work.