You may receive a warning that your fuel pump is going bad before it dies completely. Sellers Automotive advises that one such warning is whining coming from the fuel tank. Another warning is difficulty getting your automobile started every time you attempt to fire it up. If the fuel pump has died completely, you won’t be able to start your vehicle at all. Here are other signs of fuel pump problems.
Performance and Power Loss
One of the things that is easy to notice is your engine losing power. The performance will suffer when the engine is under stress or when you are driving at faster speeds. The reason why the engine loses power is that the pump is unable to supply the engine with the extra fuel it needs. Certain driving conditions require more fuel in order for the engine to sustain power.
Strange Surging and Bucking
Sometimes, the pump in the gas tank can actually malfunction and send extra fuel into the engine. Unfortunately, when this happens, you will think that you are driving a bucking bronco. The engine will surge and buck and pick up speed unexpectedly. This can get extremely annoying. Depending on the severity of the engine surges, it can also be dangerous.
Reduction in the Fuel Economy
As if you weren’t dealing with enough, your automobile is going to blow through a full tank of gasoline or diesel fuel more quickly if the pump is going bad. The engine problems discussed above are the reason why. Unfortunately, when the engine struggles to produce power or produces too much power, it uses extra fuel. Consequently, your gas mileage will, no pun intended, tank.
Reduction in the Fuel Pressure
Another thing that is going to tank is the fuel pressure. Unfortunately, this, too, affects how well your engine performs. This can be frustrating as you operate an automobile that is having problems producing power. If you have a fuel pressure gauge, you can test the pressure to see if it is too low. Low fuel pressure is a sign that it’s time for a new pump in the fuel tank.
An Engine That Runs Hotter
The reduction in fuel pressure also reduces the amount of fuel that flows over the pump motor. Consequently, because the motor relies on the fuel to keep it cool, it will start to get too hot. Your engine will overheat as the heat is transferred to it.
Sellers Automotive in Sanford, NC, would be happy to help, so call us today.