To avoid Fuel Pump damage due to dirty fuel, it is necessary to maintain proactively and make smart moves of choosing the right quality of fuel. The fuel is usually contaminated with either water, dirt or trash that will block the pump, reduce efficiency and finally fail! Research shows contaminations cause up to 60% of fuel pump problems, so preventing them is crucial for ensuring the reliability of a vehicle.
One such strategy is to use quality fuel. By using premium gasoline only from trusted stations, you can minimize the chance of contamination. It’s less likely that sediment will build up in tanks at stations where the turnover is high. The American Petroleum Institute (API) released a 2022 report that also noted the use of top-tier gasoline cuts system deposits by as much as 50 percent, along with extending injector and pump life.
This means that you need to change the fuel filter regularly so it can block impurities before they get to the pump. Replace the filter — Most manufacturers suggest replacing the filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Blocked filter make pump work more harder which increases wear and overheating risk. Changing a filter costs $20 to $50 but is less expensive than fixing repairs. ASE-certified technicians report that 25 percent of pump failures can be avoided simply by changing the vehicle’s filter on time.
Filling the fuel tank more than one-quarter full keeps sediment at the bottom of the tank out of the system. With the low fuel levels, it also means that the pump is well-day being cooled by the fuels itself; and with less fuel, there are increased chances of overheating. According to AAA, cars that often drive with the fuel tank nearly empty experience an increase in pump failures by 20 percent compared to vehicles with proper fuel levels in their tanks. Keeping the fuel level up helps both your pump and the whole fuel system.
This keeps the system clean by using fuel additives aimed to eliminate H2O as well as break down light deposits. Products containing isopropyl alcohol as an additive eliminate moisture, preventing rust and corrosion. Bosch, an automotive technology leader recommends periodic use of fuel system cleaners to maximize pump life and efficiency.
During regular maintenance, it can help detect issues with the vehicle’s fuel system components early on. Pressure tests are generally what mechanics use to see if there are clogs or obstructions. Fuel pressure should remain in the 30-80 psi range (or whatever is specified by the manufacturer) on most all vehicles. Values below this range generally indicate contaminant-related impedances.
One California fleet company slashed pump-related failures by 30% in two years following the implementation of tighter fuel management and maintenance practices. Not only did this plan save the company thousands in repair costs, it also eliminated the need for regular filter changes, periodic cleanings of their fuel system and constant monitoring to ensure they used certified sources of oil.
Therefore investing on a high-quality fuel pump and clean the fuel system regularly will provide you long-term reliability. Cleaning the fuel, changing filters and checking the health of system in regular interval help enhance pump life as well as vehicle performance.