The fuel pump in your vehicle does exactly what you would think— it pumps fuel from the gas tank to the engine to power your car. (There are some other steps in between, but we’ll get to those.)
Given the crucial role of the fuel pump in making your car move, it’s a car part you ought to know more about. We’re walking through the warning signs of a bad fuel pump and what happens when your fuel pump goes out.
What is a Fuel Pump?
A fuel pump is a part of an automobile that delivers fuel from the fuel tank to the carburetor or fuel injector of the internal combustion engine.
At the same time, it provides the pressure to spray fuel into the engine through the injectors. The electrically driven pump is generally mounted in the fuel tank. It draws in fuel, pressurizes it, and feeds it into a fuel line that takes it to the engine compartment.
There, a pressure regulator directs excess fuel that is not required by the engine back to the tank via a parallel line. Fuel pumps used today generally produce 30-60 lbs. Pressure is about the same pressure as the water in your domestic plumbing.
The inlet to the pump is filtered by a plastic sock to keep debris out of the pump and your motor. The tank sender is usually mounted directly on the pump. Direct injection diesel engines or high-tech gasoline engines have a second high-pressure injection pump mounted on the engine.
Carbureted engines often use low-pressure mechanical pumps mounted outside the fuel tank, while fuel-injected engines often use electric fuel pumps mounted in the fuel tank, and some fuel-injected engines have two fuel pumps: one in-tank low-pressure/high-volume supply pump and a high-pressure /Low-volume pump on or near the engine.
Fuel pressure must be within certain specifications for the engine to run properly. If the fuel pressure is too high, the engine will run rough and rich, preventing all of the pumped fuel from being burned, making the engine inefficient and polluting. If the pressure is too low, the engine may run lean, misfire, or stall.
A fuel pump is not essential for the engine to work. The low-pressure fuel required by a carbureted engine can be easily fed by mounting the tank higher than the carburetor and feeding the fuel by gravity.
This method is commonly used on carbureted motorcycles, where the tank is usually located directly above the engine, and on high-wing aircraft with fuel tanks in the wings.
Types of Fuel Pumps
There are three types of fuel pumps available in the market, and each of them is discussed below:
#1. Mechanical Fuel Pump.
These are basically the low-pressure type of fuel pumps, sometimes also used for high pressure, whose main work is to transfer the fuel from the tank to the fuel bowl of the spark-ignition engine.
A mechanical fuel pump is driven by the camshaft, or by a special shaft driven by the crankshaft. As the shaft turns, a cam passes under a pivoted lever and forces it up at one end.
The other end of the lever, which is linked loosely to a rubber diaphragm forming the floor of a chamber in the pump, goes down and pulls the diaphragm with it.
When the lever pulls the diaphragm down, it creates suction that draws fuel along the fuel pipe into the pump through a one-way valve. As the revolving cam turns further, so that it no longer presses on the lever, the lever is moved back by a return spring, relaxing its pull on the diaphragm.
The loosely linked lever does not push the diaphragm up, but there is a return spring that pushes against it. The diaphragm can move up only by expelling petrol from the chamber.
The petrol cannot go back through the first one-way valve, so it goes out through another one leading to the carburetor. The carburetor admits petrol only as it needs it, through the needle valve in its float chamber.
The mechanical fuel pump consists of two kinds of pumps; i.e.; diaphragm-type fuel pump and plunger-type fuel pump.
Diaphragm Type Fuel Pump
The diaphragm type fuel pump is basically a positive displacement pump that sucks the fuel by expanding and contracting the motion of the diaphragm. The pump body consists of inlet and outlet check valves, which are one-way valves.
As the diaphragm contracts, the pressure inside the pump becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure, and the fuel gets sucked through the inlet valve.
And, as the diaphragm expands, the fuel inside the pump is pushed out through the outlet valve.
The expansion and contraction movement of the diaphragm is controlled by a lever-actuated by an eccentric cam motion. This eccentric cam is connected to the crankshaft of the engine through proper gearing arrangement.
Plunger Type Fuel Pump
The plunger-type fuel pump is also a positive displacement pump that sucks and delivers the fuel with the help of the reciprocating motion of the plunger.
The plunger is enclosed inside a cylinder and one side of the plunger is connected with a push rod which further connects the camshaft.
The valves are mounted on the end of the cylinder. As the plunger moves backward the fuel gets sucked into the cylinder and with the forward motion of the plunger, fuel gets delivered out of the cylinder.
Although the pressure of the fuel supplied from the mechanical pumps is constant it requires proper maintenance because of lots of moving parts. These pumps become obsolete nowadays because the vehicles are changed their injection system from carburetor to fuel injection system.
#2. Electric Fuel Pump.
These types of fuel pumps are generally used in fuel injection systems, which is the essential part of modern motor vehicles. It creates high pressure to deliver the fuel out of the pump.
This high pressure may cause the fuel to ignite inside the pump itself and be a reason for the explosion. Thus, for safety purposes, the electric fuel pump is kept far from the engine and more specifically, it should be kept inside the fuel tank.
The current to operate the fuel pump is supplied by the battery of the vehicle. An electronic control unit (ECU) is also available there which properly controls the output pressure and volume of the fuel and in addition, it also meters the incoming fuel from the tank. The ECU helps the vehicle to save fuel and hence gives better mileage and power.
How an electric pump works
An electric pump has a similar diaphragm mechanism; it is worked by a rod that is drawn into a solenoid switch until it opens a set of contacts to turn off the current.
The solenoid attracts an iron rod that pulls the diaphragm down, drawing petrol into the chamber. At the end of its travel, the iron rod forces apart a set of contacts, breaking the current to the electromagnet and relaxing the pull on the diaphragm.
When the diaphragm return spring raises the diaphragm, it also pulls the rod away from the contacts; they then close so that the solenoid pulls the rod and diaphragm down again.
#3. High-Pressure Fuel Pump.
These types of fuel pumps are generally used for the direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber, specifically, in combustion ignition engines.
These types of pumps work above 200 Pascals. To handle such a high pressure, these pump systems are made complex and sturdy.
The general high-pressure pump system having flow rails, metering units, distributing units, etc., helps the pump to supply the fuel into the combustion chamber without any wastage or over-fueling.
If a fuel injection pump shows signs of failure, replacing it promptly is essential to avoid poor fuel economy, engine misfires, or even more severe engine damage.
7 symptoms of a bad fuel pump
The fuel pump in your car delivers gas from the gas tank to the engine so your car can run smoothly.
If the pump overheats, becomes damaged, or fails, the car’s engine won’t get the fuel to run properly or at all. If you notice these six signs, consider taking your car to your local dealership to have the fuel pump replaced.
#1. Whining Noise from the Fuel Tank.
If you notice a whining noise coming from the location of your fuel tank, the fuel pump is probably beginning to fail. If you hear whining, the fuel pump may be bad, you’re running low on gas, or there are contaminants in the tank.
#2. The Engine Sputters or Surges.
When you’re driving and the engine suddenly starts to sputter, the fuel pump may be faulty. If the fuel pump can’t deliver a steady stream of fuel to the engine, the engine’s performance drops and begins to sputter.
You may also notice the car surging when the engine isn’t getting the right amount of gasoline because of a failing fuel pump.
#3. Trouble Starting the Car.
While not being able to start your car can be caused by a number of issues, a faulty fuel pump could be the reason. If the engine cranks over when you turn the key but it feels like it won’t start, there’s a good chance that the fuel pump can’t deliver gas to the engine.
If you continue to try and start the car without sufficient fuel, you’ll drain the battery and put extra stress on the starting system resulting in car repairs.
#4. Loss of Power Under Load.
If you’re towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load and you notice your vehicle beginning to drag, the fuel pump may be at fault.
With an increased load on the vehicle, a failing fuel pump can’t deliver enough gas or keep the fuel pressurized enough to keep up with the high demand for gas that the vehicle needs under stressful situations.
#5. Reduced Gas Mileage.
If you suddenly find yourself filling up your gas tank more than usual, consider a failing or faulty relief valve in the fuel pump. If the valve doesn’t open when needed, it allows excess gasoline to flow into the engine system.
Unfortunately, excess gasoline or fuel can’t get stored or used within the engine, and instead, it just burns up unnecessarily, causing a reduction in gas mileage.
#6. Stalling at High Temperatures.
Having your engine stall is often an indicator of a bad fuel pump, especially if you see the temperature rising on your car’s thermometer gauge.
If the engine isn’t receiving enough fuel from the fuel pump, it has to work harder to keep the engine running properly. The harder the engine has to work, the hotter it becomes, and it may stall to prevent overheating.
#7. Dead Engine.
Finally, your vehicle might not start because of the battery, alternator, starter, fuel filter, or fuel pump. All of these things play a role in getting your vehicle started. If the pump is dead, you won’t be able to get gas into the combustion chamber to start the car.
Keep your fuel pump in good working order by not letting your car get too low on gasoline, buying gas from a reputable station, and having the fuel pump inspected on a regular basis.
How To Start a Car With A Bad Fuel Pump?
There are a few methods to start a car with a failing fuel pump. These are simple suggestions to try even if you don’t possess much mechanical ability. Professional mechanics will remind you that this is a temporary solution to a severe problem that is best not to ignore.
- Fuel Pressure Gauge – Attaching a fuel pressure gauge directly onto the engine will allow the car to start and drive. A fuel pressure gauge usually is in the $40 price range and is a handy tool to have available.
- Manual Pressure – Using pressure to assist the fuel through the lines is another simple technique to start the car.
- Engine Heat – The engine overheating due to a faulty fuel pump is possible, but if the car is shut off and cooled, the low temperature can also cause the pump to stall. Maintaining a consistent heat to the engine can allow you to drive the car far enough to reach a repair shop.
How Long Do Fuel Pumps Last?
The fuel pump is your vehicle’s unsung hero. It takes gas from the gas tank and sends it to the engine so your car, truck, or SUV can start and run. Your vehicle’s fuel pump should last at least 100,000 miles or more.
There is really no reason to preemptively replace the fuel pump before 100,000 miles. Fuel pumps have been known to last for over 200,000 miles in some cases. After 100,000 miles, the failure of the pump is likely enough that if you are replacing a major part in the fuel system nearby, it may be advantageous to replace it at the same time.
When should the fuel pump be replaced?
It is usually unnecessary to preemptively replace the fuel pump, but if there is another service being performed on the vehicle that involves removing the gas tank, and the current fuel pump has been running for over 100,000 miles, then replacing it could save money and time in the long run.
If the fuel pump seems to be surging and then not delivering enough fuel, get it inspected by a qualified mechanic right away. The fuel system is necessary to keep the car running and a poorly maintained fuel system is downright hazardous.
How To Replace a Fuel Pump?
If your fuel pump is not pumping enough fuel to keep up with the engine, it may need to be replaced. This can be completed in 12 seamless steps.
If your fuel pump is not delivering enough fuel pressure to meet specifications or not pumping enough fuel to keep up with the engine, it may need to be replaced.
This can be completed in 12 seamless steps; however, it is recommended to have an assistant to facilitate the process.
- Park the vehicle on a firm, level surface and set the parking brake.
- Find the fuel pump, which on most vehicles is in the fuel tank. Once located, open the fuel cap and have an assistant turn the key to the ON position while you listen at the filler opening. The fuel pump will hum for two to three seconds, if working properly. If no sound is made, replacing the pump may be necessary.
- Find and verify the fuel pump fuse and relay.
- If the fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage. Check fuel pump operation. If the fuel pump works, your job is done.
- If the fuse and relay are functional, check for power and ground at the fuel pump. Removing the fuel tank or the back seat may be necessary. If there is power and ground at the pump, then the pump is faulty.
- Relieve the fuel system pressure. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Siphon or drain as much fuel as possible from the fuel tank. Disconnect the filler tube hose and the electrical connection to the pump.
- Support the fuel tank with a jack and a block of wood. Remove any retaining straps or bolts holding the tank to the frame. Lower the tank.
- Disconnect the fuel lines and remove the fuel pump from the tank.
- Compare the new fuel pump with the original to verify that you have the correct part. Install the new fuel pump.
- Connect the fuel lines to the pump. Lift the fuel tank up and install the retaining strap. Reconnect the filler tube hose and the electrical connector.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable. Fill the tank with gas. Conduct a road test to confirm a successful repair.
Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
The average cost for a fuel pump replacement is between $220 and $1,062, depending on vehicle and age. Labor costs are estimated between $124 and $260, while parts are priced between $95 and $854. Estimates do not include taxes and fees.
If you are replacing the fuel pump yourself, beyond this it is just the cost of your time. Generally speaking, replacing a fuel pump is considered an intermediate-level task.
If you decide to go with a professional, you may be looking at a cost of between $400 and $600 to replace a bad fuel pump. You can search through our Preferred Shops in your area for a mechanic that can help with the fuel pump repair.
Expect the actual replacement to take between 1 to 6 hours, depending on the expertise of the mechanic and the tools they happen to have on hand.
Whether you do the job yourself or have a professional do it, make sure that the fuel tank is properly cleaned of all contaminants, as years of fuel sediment can build up in the bottom of the fuel tank.