Indeed, fuel pump problems can eventually cause an engine misfire because proper fuel delivery may not occur that is necessary for complete combustion. The engine requires a constant flow of fuel at a particular pressure for ensuring an optimum air-fuel mixture. As the fuel pump starts failing, it cannot deliver the quantity of needed fuel; this creates a “lean” condition in the engine, a kind of operation where there is an insufficiency of fuel in the air-fuel mixture. Irregularities with fuel pressure-while accelerating or experiencing high-load conditions-create noticeable misfires at higher RPMs when the engine requires more fuel.
Apart from performance, low fuel pressure resulting from a faulty fuel pump takes a toll on some engine parts over time. Misfires allow unburned fuel to reach the exhaust system, where this can damage the catalytic converter-very expensive to repair, maybe ranging from $500 to $2,000, depending on the type of vehicle. A failing fuel pump could cause intermittent misfires to occur more frequently with time, which in turn would have an effect on efficiency. It may also lead to a 10-15% decrease in fuel economy because the engine would have to work more when there is this deficit of fuel. Any mechanic would strongly suggest replacing fuel pumps if they start to malfunction due to repair and efficiency costs in the longer term.
Other symptoms of a bad or failing fuel pump include hesitation upon acceleration, rough idling, and poor starting. One might be able to determine if the fuel pump maintains proper pressure by conducting a pressure test, wherein a gauge is attached to the fuel rail. If this reading is below what the manufacturer recommends-say, 10-20% below the specified limit-chances are very great that the pump is underperforming and creating a starvation condition inside the engine, which could therefore cause misfires.
The high-mileage vehicles-especially those above 100,000 miles-are more likely to show a failure of the fuel pumps. After these miles, most of the internal parts in the pump have a tendency to wear out, which reduces the efficiency and pressure of the pump. In order to avoid misfires and ensure smooth running of the engine, timely replacement after regular checkups may be done.
As once said by auto tycoon Lee Iacocca, “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” In time, addressing Fuel Pump problems is a way to ensure a reliable fuel system with minimal engine misfires. For good quality fuel pump replacement and further information visit Fuel Pump.