How Long Does a Fuel Pump Last?
3 Answers
The fuel pump does not need to be replaced as long as it is not damaged. More information about the lifespan of a fuel pump is as follows: 1. The function of the fuel pump is to draw gasoline from the fuel tank and press it through the pipeline and fuel filter into the float chamber of the carburetor: After two or three years of use, the fuel pump's ability to pump oil may decline due to wear and tear, and whether it needs to be replaced should be determined after corresponding tests by technicians. 2. The fuel pump should be replaced promptly if it fails: When the fuel pump has a pressure relief failure, it will cause a "buzzing" abnormal noise under the rear seat when the vehicle is running; the vehicle will have weak acceleration, especially with a jerky feeling during sudden acceleration; difficulty starting the vehicle or failure to start; the engine fault light on the vehicle's combination instrument panel stays on. If these phenomena occur, the fuel pump should be replaced promptly.
I've been driving a taxi for nearly twenty years and know fuel pumps inside out. The thing hides inside the fuel tank, submerged in gasoline for cooling. It usually starts acting up after 100,000 kilometers, but low-quality gasoline is a pump killer! When sludge clogs the filter screen, the pump has to work overtime to draw fuel—running dry will definitely kill it. Some owners always wait until the fuel gauge hits the red warning light to refuel—this habit damages the pump. Low fuel levels mean poor cooling, and the pump spins wildly, prone to overheating. Also, avoid frequently mixing different fuel brands or changing octane ratings—it's bad for the pump. If you suddenly hear a buzzing noise from the engine bay and notice weak acceleration, chances are the fuel pump is failing. My old Jetta stubbornly lasted 150,000 kilometers—the secret was sticking to one gas station and always refueling when the tank hit a quarter full.
Common cases of premature fuel pump failure in auto repair shops. Actual testing shows fuel pump lifespan ranges from 60,000 to 120,000 km, primarily depending on fuel cleanliness. If 92-octane gasoline contains excessive gum deposits, it can clog the pump filter screen in just three months. I once disassembled a Hyundai's fuel pump with completely blackened filter screens - the owner had been using cheap gas from small stations for years. When experiencing cold start difficulties, unstable idle, and fluctuating fuel rail pressure, it's time to inspect the fuel pump. Don't believe those online 'emergency fixes' like tapping the fuel tank - they're temporary solutions at best. Modern automakers have improved cooling designs, with Volkswagen's new pumps featuring built-in ceramic blades capable of lasting 200,000 km.
