Abstract text

An ECU reduces a fuel flow rate discharged from an electric pump to the filter when a fuel temperature and a fuel pressure in the filter detected by a sensor portion drop. Since a mechanical pump continues to be driven without respect to the fuel quantity discharged from the electric pumps when the fuel flow rate discharged from the electric pump is decreased, a suction pressure is generated at an inlet of the filter. The fuel in a recirculation passage is introduced into the filter through a branch passage. As the result, relatively high temperature fuel is introduced into the filter to melt a solidified fuel causing a clogging of the filter.