Fuel recirculation and warming system and method

摘要

A fuel system having a fuel tank for storing a supply of fuel for an internal combustion engine is provided with a fuel recirculation system. Fuel is supplied from the fuel tank to the engine through a supply line and excess fuel is returned from the engine to the tank through a return line. The fuel in the return line is typically warmed as it passes through or in proximity to the engine. A valve is positioned within the fuel tank to sense the temperature of the fuel supplied to the engine and, when the temperature is colder than desired, divert a portion of the warmed return fuel back to the supply line. The diverted fuel helps warm the fuel supplied to the engine and prevent waxing in the fuel system. When the fuel supplied to the engine is not colder than desired, the valve is closed and the warmed fuel is returned to the fuel tank.