The title of this blog post is true. Accurate Auto advises that the fuel pump directly affects how well your engine performs. The fuel pump has about a 100,000-mile lifespan, after which, it can begin to fail and create problems with your engine performance. We will discuss these problems and the other signs of a malfunctioning fuel pump below so you know what to look for in your automobile.
Engine Sputtering
One engine performance problem a faulty fuel pump will cause is sputtering at high speeds. This happens when the fuel pump is unable to supply the extra diesel fuel or gasoline that the engine needs to go faster. Unfortunately, your engine will sputter and struggle as a result.
Engine Surging
The opposite engine performance problem is surging. This can happen if the fuel pump is malfunctioning and supplying too much fuel to the engine. The fuel pump does not operate in reverse; the excess fuel does not go back into the tank. Rather the engine burns it and surges as it does so.
Poor Fuel Economy
Both engine performance conditions can reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy significantly. Anytime your engine is not running efficiently, your gas mileage is affected. Unfortunately, you will end up with poor fuel economy into you replace the fuel pump that is going bad.
Hard or No Start
If the fuel pump is unable to draw gasoline or diesel fuel out of the tank, you will end up with an inability to start your automobile. This is because there is not enough gasoline or diesel fuel in the combustion chamber to start the engine combustion.
Low Fuel Pressure
Another symptom of a malfunctioning fuel pump is low fuel pressure. You can test the pressure yourself with a fuel pressure gauge, or you can bring your vehicle to one of our shops, and we will test it for you. The fuel pressure should always be within the manufacturer’s designated range.
Overheating Engine
Another problem if the fuel pump is not drawing enough fuel out of the tank is that its motor will overheat. The fuel actually keeps the fuel pump’s motor cool. If the fuel pump motor is overheating, this excess heat is transferred to the engine, as well.
Stress Power Loss
Finally, one of the most common signs that your fuel pump is malfunctioning is power loss when your vehicle is under stress. For example, your automobile needs extra fuel to go up steep hills without losing speed. A faulty fuel pump may be unable to supply this fuel.
Accurate Auto in Beaverton, Lake Oswego, or Hillsboro, OR, is here to help, so call the shop closest to you for an appointment today.