Your vehicle’s engine would not get gasoline or diesel fuel without the fuel pump. This pump is what draws the fuel out of the tank and pushes it through so it can be sprayed into the combustion chamber. At a minimum, your vehicle’s fuel pump should last 100,000 miles. If you drive a high-mileage automobile and you notice the following signs, Checkpoint Motors warns it could be your fuel pump.
Dead Engine
Naturally, if there is no fuel in the engine, you won’t be able to get it started. A dead engine can definitely indicate a problem with the fuel pump or another issue in the fuel system. It can also be a sign of an electrical problem. This being said, a dead engine in conjunction with the other signs listed below points to the fuel pump.
Engine Bucking and Surging
One thing that will indicate that your vehicle’s engine is not getting a steady supply of fuel is the engine bucking and surging. If the fuel pump is stuck in the open position, your engine will be getting too much gasoline or diesel fuel and this can cause the engine to pick up speed sporadically. This is just one way a faulty fuel pump can affect your engine’s fuel supply.
Low Fuel Pressure
Your engine should get a specific amount of fuel pressure each time it is running. The recommended fuel pressure is listed in your owner’s manual. If you purchase a fuel pressure gauge at an auto parts store, you can test your fuel pressure to see if it is within the recommended range. If it isn’t, this points to the fuel pump going out.
Overheating Engine
An overheating engine that stalls is an indication that your fuel pump motor is overheating. The diesel fuel or gasoline that flows through the pump keeps the motor cool. If the pump is not drawing enough of this coolant from the gas tank, it will overheat and your engine will overheat.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
Again, if the fuel pump is stuck in the open position, you will notice a significant reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. This is because the engine is burning away the excess fuel that is making it pick up speed sporadically.
Sputtering Engine at High Speeds
If your engine is sputtering at high speeds, this suggests that it isn’t getting enough fuel. This can point to a malfunctioning fuel pump that is unable to push the right amount of gas through to the combustion chamber.
Stress Power Loss
Finally, one final sign that your fuel pump is going out is stress power loss. This means your vehicle loses power when it is under stress even though it should be able to maintain its speed and momentum.
Checkpoint Motors in Oregon City, OR, would be happy to inspect your fuel pump if you suspect it is going bad. Call us to schedule a service appointment today.
