4 Must-Know Facts About Vehicle Fuel Pumps

A fuel pump is an integral part of a car engine, and when it malfunctions, it can cost a car owner a lot of money. The device serves the function of releasing fuel to the fuel injection at a constant volume and pressure. Therefore, you get optimum engine performance at various driving conditions when the fuel pump is in optimal shape. Here are some top facts about fuel pumps for novice car owners

Warning Signs

A few telltale signs can show if your fuel pump is struggling to release fuel. For instance, when you turn the ignition key, the engine might fail to start. Besides, the car engine might start poorly in the form of stammering, stuttering, or sputtering. The reason is that fuel does not reach the injector in the right volume or pressure. 

Vehicle Performance Diagnosis

One way to determine if your car's fuel pump is optimal is to assess the vehicle's performance. Overall, if your car is working fine, then the fuel pump is probably okay. A mechanic can ascertain if the fuel pump injects the right amount of fuel at the right pressure. Most importantly, the diagnosis will show fuel economy of the vehicle and whether poor performance stems from improper fuel volume and pressure. One simple technique for testing fuel pressure is to monitor the flow with a gauge when the engine is idling, especially in a neutral position. You will get reliable results when there is no load in the vehicle. 

Fuel Filter

Most of the new fuel module kits in the market have fuel strainers or filters to prevent debris from entering the interior components of a fuel pump. When installing a new fuel pump, ensure that you also install the filters. Some fuel modules will have the fuel filters pre-installed while others will not include them. For the latter version, you have to purchase the filters separately and attach them to the pump before the final installation of the vehicle's engine. If you are not knowledgeable about fixing fuel pumps, have a technician install the device to make sure that the strainer attaches properly to the fuel module.

Cost

The replacement cost of a fuel pump could range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on various factors such as the pump type, make, and model of the car. Notably, it might cost extra when you have to buy other accessories to fit on the fuel pump. 

For more information, contact a business such as Denco Diesel & Turbo

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