The most prevalent fuel pump problems include low pressure, overheating, and electrical malfunctions, all of which disable the normal performance of the engine and may be quite expensive to repair. Normally, low fuel pressure starts due to wear and tear or blockage issues in the fuel pump, thereby preventing the pump from successfully supplying the fuel under the imposed pressure conditions, nearly about 40 to 60 psi in standard systems. Consequently, low pressure may lead to engine misfires, low acceleration, and even stalling of the engine. These studies show that fuel pumps have a tendency to lose efficiency after 100,000 miles of wear and tear, with many recording an up to 15% drop in pressure internally.
Overheating is another common problem, especially in those vehicles that are consistently run on low fuel. The pump utilizes fuel inside the tank to cool itself, and when the fuel level regularly drops below a quarter tank, it exposes the pump to overheating. This additional heat will warp or damage components inside the pump, increasing wear and possibly shaving up to 25% off of its lifespan. Many mechanics will always recommend that at least a quarter of the tank should have fuel in it; this way, it helps to keep the temperature of the pump ideal and does not allow overheating.
Other culprits include electrical problems such as a faulty fuel pump relay or loose wiring. In a relay, the flow of current to the pump is controlled and allowed to run only when required. Upon failure of the relay, power may not be delivered to the pump, or it keeps running, thereby draining the battery. Bad connections or corroded wires, on the other hand, may be able to electrically cut the power supply off from the pump, a situation which leads to intermittent operation or complete failure. Routine checks of these connections and relays are what perform the duty of maintaining reliability in the system.
Other factors contributing to pump problems include blockages and contamination by low-grade fuel. Sediment, rust, and debris contaminate the fuel entering the pump and eventually block the inside parts of the pump, which affect its efficiency. The risk of contamination, therefore, can be minimized by ensuring high-quality fuel is used to prevent deterioration or abrasion of the pump. The fuel filter has to be replaced once mileage reaches 20,000 to 30,000 miles in order to extend the life of the pump.
What are the common problems a fuel pump usually faces? A low-pressure situation, overheating, electrical faults, and contamination are common problems that may differently affect performance and life-all for which regular maintenance in the form of timely replacement of fuel filters and maintaining adequate levels of fuel are leading factors to guarantee proper working.