If it is getting hard to get your car, truck, or utility vehicle started, Integrity Auto Repair advises that your fuel pump may be going bad. The average lifespan of this pump is 100,000 miles. Without a functional fuel pump, the engine is starved of gasoline or diesel fuel. Hopefully, you won’t end up with a dead engine outright. Rather, your vehicle will give you signs that the fuel pump is going out.
Poor Engine Performance
One of these signs is poor engine performance when the engine is under stress and when you are trying to drive at high speeds. This is an indication that the engine is not getting enough fuel to sustain power production. Consequently, your engine will sputter and lag when it is under either condition. For example, you need a new pump if the engine struggles when you drive up steep hills.
Unexpected Speed Spurts
The malfunctioning pump can also send too much fuel into the engine where it will be burned away. When the engine burns away the excess fuel, your automobile will pick up speed unexpectedly. Generally, the speed spurts do not pose any danger, but if you are following the automobile in front of you too closely, you run the risk of running into it when the engine surges.
Reduction in Gas Mileage
Whether your engine is struggling to produce power or surging, you are going to notice a reduction in your automobile’s gas mileage until you replace the malfunctioning fuel pump. Unfortunately, anytime the engine is not running normally, it will burn more fuel, even if it is struggling to produce power. Consequently, you will be making frequent visits to the service station.
Engine That Runs Too Hot
The fuel pump has a motor that can overheat if there is not enough fuel flowing over it to keep it cool. When this happens, the heat can make its way into the engine and cause your engine to run too hot. You may also hear strange noises coming from your fuel tank if the fuel pump motor is going bad. Generally, you will either hear a whining sound or a squealing sound.
Reduction in Fuel Pressure
Finally, the faulty pump will cause a reduction in the engine’s fuel pressure. This will affect your engine’s performance as discussed above. If you have a fuel pressure gauge and suspect that the pump is going out, test your fuel pressure to see if it is low.
If it is, call Integrity Auto Repair in Eugene, OR, right away to set up a service appointment for a new fuel pump.
