The first phase of maintenance on a fuel pump starts with the quality of the petrol itself. Blocked fuel filters from contaminants can reduce pump efficiency up to 20%. By feeding your engine with fuel from registered providers and the addition of a fuel system cleaner now and again, you will be protecting contaminants that would otherwise reach the pump. An example of this is the 2020 model year that saw a huge recall of over 150,000 vehicles breaking down as pumps failed with water and debris in the fuel. Inspecting and replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles (or as recommended) helps to ensure that there is a straightforward path for fuel to follow. When the filter gets clogged, fuel flow is reduced as much as 50 percent and will overload the pump.
Keeping the fuel tank at over a quarter will aid in contemplating another very important component of fuel pump maintenance. When a fuel pump is run with low fuel levels, it can overheat since the fuel also plays a role in cooling. Fuel pumps in modern vehicles are mostly submerged within the tank, and they use the fuel to cool them. Over time it will cause the pump to run too lean and consequently heat up, leading to an early failure of the fuel system. That could see the pump degradating from an anticipated 100,000 miles to as few as 60.
Fuel lines should also be checked for damage or leak. Rubber or plastic fuel lines eventually crack or break down, especially in harsh environments. Leaks rob fuel pressure and require the pump to work even harder to maintain supply. An engine can feel a loss of horsepower with as little as 5 PSI of pressure drop. This keeps the lines in one piece and properly connected, leading to consistent fuel delivery as well as the longevity of your pump.
The electrical system maintenance is also essential. Since fuel pumps require 12v power to deliver accordingly and any electric malfunction could render them ineffective. Insulate the fuel pump relay and seasonally test its functionality. A failing relay can deliver inconsistent power to the pump, which could cause premature wear or possible failure of the pump. A relay costs about $15 to $20, a pump $200~500 depending upon the vehicle.
Monitoring of fuel pressure -- need for pump performance. An internal problem in the pump or fuel lines may be indicated by a 15-PSI drop from 60 PSI to 45 PSI. Using a fuel pressure gauge to check these readings can help catch problems early and prevent costly repairs. They typically retail for under $30, but if a problem is caught early it can prevent the pump from failing which otherwise would cost hundreds to repair.
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