Every automobile has a fuel pump in it except for electric vehicles, of course. This pump is designed to pull the diesel fuel or gasoline out of the tank so it can be burned in the engine. A fuel pump will generally last about 100,000 miles. After this mileage milestone, the fuel pump is at greater risk of going bad and failing. The Shop Tire and Service Center can test your fuel pump and replace it if it has failed. Here are signs that it has.
An Overheating Engine
The fuel pump motor considers the diesel fuel or gasoline that flows through it to be a form of coolant. If the fuel pump is failing, it might not draw enough “coolant” through the motor and, consequently, the motor will overheat. The hot fuel pump motor can make your engine overheat, as well.
Hard or No Starts
If it has been difficult to get your automobile started lately, it could be that the fuel pump is creating a fuel-starved condition in the combustion chamber. Again, if the pump is failing, it may not be able to pull enough gasoline or diesel fuel out of the tank to be burned in the combustion chamber. In severe cases, you may be unable to start your car, truck, or utility vehicle.
Reduced Fuel Pressure
Part of this problem is being caused by a reduction in the fuel pressure in your engine. A malfunctioning fuel pump will not be able to generate the recommended fuel pressure. You can test your fuel pressure by consulting with your owner’s manual to see the range in which it should flow. Use a fuel pressure gauge to see if your pressure is within this specified range.
Power Loss When Stressed
A lack of fuel pressure or fuel overall will cause your vehicle to lose power when the engine is under stress. This can include driving up steep hills, towing a trailer, and when your vehicle is overloaded with stuff. If the engine is fuel-starved, it will lose power.
Sputtering at High Speeds
Your engine will also sputter at high speeds if there isn’t enough fuel pressure or fuel to sustain them. This is definitely a sign that the fuel pump is dying.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Finally, all of these things can cause a reduction in your fuel economy because your engine is not running efficiently. Unfortunately, you may find yourself at the service station more often.
The Shop Tire and Service Center in Elk River, MN, can help, so call us today. We’d be happy to test your fuel pump and replace it if necessary.