The fuel pump pulls the fuel out of the tank and pumps it through to the engine. It can go bad after about 100,000 miles. Stringer Auto Repair can replace your fuel pump when it goes bad. Here are signs that it is.
Dead Engine
If the pump can’t push the gasoline or diesel fuel into the engine, you will end up with a dead engine. No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to start your automobile. This is because there isn’t any fuel in the combustion chamber for the spark plugs to ignite.
Engine Surges
In some cases, the fuel pump can malfunction and push too much gasoline or diesel fuel into the engine. When this happens, your engine will surge forward. In other words, it will pick up speed sporadically. You will feel as if you are driving a bucking bronco.
High-Speed Sputtering
In most cases, however, the opposite occurs. Rather than having is surging engine, you end up with a sputtering engine because there isn’t enough fuel in it to maintain higher speeds. You will notice that the engine sputters even more the faster you go.
Low Fuel Pressure
If your fuel pressure is low, this, too, points to a faltering fuel pump. You can test the fuel pressure yourself with the help of a friend and a fuel pressure gauge that you can purchase at an auto parts store. If you’d prefer, we can test your fuel pressure for you.
Poor Fuel Economy
A malfunctioning fuel pump is going to affect your vehicle’s fuel economy because the engine cannot run inefficiently. You will find that you run out of gas more quickly and need to fill up more often. This can get frustrating, especially if you are on a budget.
Rising Engine Temps
As the gasoline or diesel fuel flows through the fuel pump, it cools the pump’s motor. If the malfunctioning pump cannot draw enough fuel to keep the motor cool, the overheating fuel pump motor will overheat your engine.
Stress Power Loss
Finally, as with faster speeds, your vehicle requires more fuel in the engine when it is under stress. This includes if you have it loaded down, if you are towing something behind it, or if you are driving up a steep hill. A faulty fuel pump will cause your engine to lose power under these conditions.
Stringer Auto Repair in Johnstown, OH, would be happy to inspect and replace your fuel pump if it needs it.
