Your vehicle cannot run if your fuel pump is clogged. It also won’t run if the fuel pump is bad. We here at Demore’s Automotive want to share seven signs with you that will tell you there’s a problem with the pump or somewhere else in the fuel system. Here’s what they are.
Sputtering
Your fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. The faster you go the more fuel your engine needs. If the pump is clogged or struggling, your engine will sputter when you try to drive fast because it isn’t getting enough gasoline pumped through from the tank.
Overheating
One thing that can go wrong with the pump is the motor. If the pump isn’t pushing enough gasoline through it, the motor will overheat because the fuel acts as coolant. If the pump motor overheats your vehicle’s engine will follow suit. Don’t continue to drive with an overheating engine.
Pressure
Another sign your fuel pump is clogged or going bad is the fuel pressure reading. Check your owner’s manual to see how much fuel pressure your vehicle should have. Then, test it with a gauge you can buy at an auto parts store to make sure the fuel pressure is within the correct range.
Power Loss
As with speed, your vehicle needs more fuel when it’s under stress. Things that stress an automobile include driving up steep inclines and hauling heavy loads. If your vehicle loses power in these and other stressful situations, it’s fuel-starved and the pump could be the culprit.
Surges
Imagine driving along and all of a sudden your vehicle picks up speed even though you didn’t press down on the accelerator. This is a surge, and a clogged or failing pump can make your engine do just that because the pump motor’s resistance is irregular.
Mileage
Your vehicle’s fuel pump has what’s called a relief valve and if the pump is clogged, the valve could be stuck in the open position. This pours gasoline into your engine and your gas mileage suffers as a result. The engine has no choice but to burn off the excess fuel.
Dead Engine
If the fuel has flooded the engine, you won’t be able to start it. If the fuel pump is clogged and the relief valve is stuck in the closed position, you won’t be able to start it. Eventually, if you don’t address the problem, it will fail and your engine will not start.
Let Demore’s Automotive in Palmer, MA, inspect your fuel system. Call us today at 413-252-8087.
