A clogged fuel pump sediment is often the culprit behind a number of symptoms ranging from poor fuel flow to fuel starvation. A consistent drop in power, particularly during acceleration, is a clear sign. If the fuel pump is blocked then it is unable to push fuel at the necessary pressure, resulting in misfires, rough idling, or a significant hesitation when stepping on the gas. For instance, 20% of the fuel system issues showed up in a study done by the American Automobile Association (AAA), including a lack of acceleration in vehicles.
Difficulty starting the engine is another sign of sediment in the fuel pump. If debris collects in the fuel lines or filter the fuel pump doesn’t have enough fuel to deliver to the engine, resulting in excessive cranking times before starting. A report from Consumer Reports claims that clogged fuel pumps account for 15% of all starting issues in older, higher-mileage vehicles.
The engine may stall at random on some vehicles. This is because sediment blockage may lead to sporadic fuel supply to the engine, leaving it without fuel when it needs it the most. According to a study from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), 25% of vehicle stalls, especially in vehicles with more than 100,000 miles, can be attributed to fuel pump failure, primarily due to sediment.
Check Fuel Filter If Fuel Pump Is Blocked If the filter looks burnt out or has debris on it, the fuel pump is likely compromised as well. In most vehicles, the fuel pump will hold a steady 40 to 60 psi pressure, so anything below that can indicate that the pump is clogged. A mechanic can check if it is putting out the proper pressure using a fuel pressure gauge.
“Fuel pumps are crucial for engine performance, and any blockage can have larger repercussions,” says the auto technician Mike Thompson. “When sediment is the problem, getting it addressed quickly is important to prevent damage to the fuel system.”
Sediment in the fuel pump can also be associated with contaminated fuel. Vehicles that tend to refuel at sites with poor-quality fuel, or that have ageing tanks, are more prone to sediment-related issues. The cleaning of the fuel tank should take place once approximately every 60,000 miles to prevent this from happening.
The problem should be fixed by changing or cleaning the pump and filter. Cleansing the existing fuel pump is a more affordable option, as new fuel pumps can range from $300 to around $500, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Therefore, Fuel system regular maintenance, such as checking for sediment buildup, can prolong the life of the fuel pump and keep the engine running smoothly.
In the event of any performance problems or sediment found inside the fuel system, it is recommended to have the fuel pump & filter inspected. Fuel Pump offers reliable fuel pump systems and other information.