Fuel pumps are misunderstood, and therefore there are a lot of misconceptions that revolve around them with most people not understanding how they work or even how to look after them. A common misconception is that fuel pumps exclusively function when the engine is turned on. However, modern fuel pumps usually do run all the time to help maintain pressure within the fuel system and sometimes pressure can reach between 30 and up to 60 psi. This continuous operation guarantees appropriate fuel delivery velocity while entering and idling
One of the most widespread ideas is that a bad fuel pump will result in one of the many common symptoms associated with sputtering or stalling. Although these signals may appear, research has indicated that a fuel pump failure will often take place with no warning at all (around 20% of cases). The best way to prevent this from happening is through routine maintenance, as it can allow you to notice issues before they result in a complete and total failure.
Many people believe that low grade fuel will not effect the fuel pump. In fact, subpar fuel can increase the danger of deterioration and clogging in the pump by more than 50%, which could shorten the life span of the pump. According to a noted auto guru, “Good fuel is just as vital for performance as it is for the life of your fuel system.
The second fallacy is that many will believe it is straightforward to do replacing the fuel pump on their own. Unfortunately, do-it-yourself fixes are prone to incorrect fitting that may trigger fuel leaks and system inadequacies. According to industry data, almost 30 percent of all fuel system problems are due to improper installation.
Finally, not all fuel pumps are made equal as some might assume. Fuel pumps can range widely in specifications from OE to certain fit types for certain vehicles and engine types. Not only do you need to get the right size pump, but using the wrong one can also cause an up to 25 percent decrease in engine performance and efficiency. As one car company once said, “Select the proper fuel system components to maintain balance in your vehicle.”
If you want to know more about the components you can trust such as a Fuel Pump, it is important to understand these common myths so that the maintenance of your fuel system remains efficient. With great understanding comes proper maintenance, in turn making your vehicle better performing and safer.