➔ The fuel pump is an integral part of the fuel delivery system of a vehicle
➔ Supplies the fuel from the fuel tank to the engine
➔ It is located inside the fuel tank or under the chassis, depending on the application
➔ Performance: operates at higher speeds and draws less current than older style pumps
➔ Advantage: each fuel feed unit comes together with the gasket
Technical Data | |
---|---|
Operating voltage | 12 V |
Current | Between 5 A and 9 A |
Delivery quantities | Between 60 and 250 l/h |
Fuel-system pressure | Between 3 and 5 bar (300 to 500 kPa) |
What are the most common causes of fuel pump failures?
One of the top causes of fuel pump failure is contamination. This can be caused by dirt and debris entering the system from re-fuelling or the use of poor quality fuel. Fuel pump overheating and wear can also cause failure.
Driving frequently on a low fuel tank can accelerate wear on the fuel pump due to debris in the bottom of the fuel tank being disturbed and entering the pump. It is interesting to note that over half of all fuel pump replacements are the result of misdiagnosis.
The complexity of modern vehicles leads to several systems that can disable the vehicle’s fuel pump. Systems that one would not normally associate with the fuel system now have the ability to render the fuel pump inactive (e.g. security, drive train, oil/fuel pressure switches, etc.), which can result in a misdiagnosis.
Vehicle symptoms that indicate the fuel pump may need to be replaced
➔ Difficult or non-starting
➔ Extended cranking
➔ Immediate or intermittent stalling
➔ Rough idle
➔ Poor acceleration
➔ Severe engine lag