There are a few proactive practices we can take to maintain the fuel pump for maximum efficiency and to mitigate its early wear with malfunction. A perfectly functional fuel pump can go over 100,000 miles without services or replacement; thus sparing vehicle owners from needing to replace it which could be anywhere between $500 and $800 dollars, once again depending on the vehicle being replaced.
Getting the fuel filter changed at recommended intervals is important too, as a blocked filter will mean the pump has to work harder to maintain the necessary pressure. Automakers typically recommend changing the fuel filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles so that debris and contaminants do not build up. Studies indicate that if you do not carry out this maintenance, the efficiency of pumps will drop by 15%, leading to increased consumption and decreased engine performance.
Another important best practice is to keep the gas tank at least one-quarter full. Gasoline acts as a coolant and lubricant for fuel pumps. If you consistently run your fuel tank low, it will raise the operating temperature and wear out the pump more quickly. According to AAA, people who continually let their gas go below 10% of a tank experience pump failures 20% more than those who keep a stouter fuel level.
Secondly, quality fuel can boost pump function through clearing deposits from the lines and injectors. Retail-grade gasoline, as certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), contains detergent additives which reduce deposit formation by up to 50%. Such a measure will ensure protection for the pump while also improving the overall performance of the fuel system.
Regular system cleanings with fuel additives keep minor impurities that manage to sneak past the filter, at bay. Home additives work to dissolve deposits within the pump and injectors that otherwise slow down the flow rate from the boost pump, and produce variations in pressure. According to Bosch, the world’s largest automotive component supplier, approved fuel additives should be used regularly as this improves pump life and pump efficiency.
A gauge is a great indicator of pump health, particularly if you run your system with one to monitor fuel pressure. The ideal fuel pressure is usually between 30 and 80 psi depending on the engine. Readings below the optimum range indicate a problem – so if there is any chance that the pump might fail, action can be taken in good time.
These real life instances emphasize the role of effective maintenance. A California-based fleet management firm adopted a rigid scheduling formaintenance, such as filter swap outs and overall inspections on the system. During a period of over two years, the company saw a 30% reduction in pump-related failures resulting in thousands of dollars spared on repair costs.
An effective Fuel Pump is not just capable of maintaining performance over the engine’s power band, but it can also improve fuel economy and decrease emissions. Regular services like filter replacements, fuel system cleanings and pressure monitoring ensures that the pump will run properly throughout its designed lifetime. By scheduling proactive care, one eliminates the risk of an unexpected breakdown and is able to maximise the life span of a vehicle’s fuel delivery system.