What are the signs of a faulty fuel pump?
2 Answers
Signs of a faulty fuel pump: 1. Weak acceleration, with jerking when pressing the accelerator suddenly; 2. Difficulty starting, requiring prolonged key turning; 3. Engine warning light comes on; 4. Abnormal noises, such as a humming sound while driving; 5. Abnormal engine vibration. A fuel pump is a lightweight and compact pump, categorized mainly into inline, distributor, and single-unit types. The fuel pump requires a power source to operate, with its lower camshaft driven by the engine crankshaft gear. The fuel pump features a housing made of aluminum-containing material and a movable molding component inside the housing. The movable molding component is at least partially made of a sinterable, iron-based alloy material containing austenite, and the sinterable material of the molding component has a thermal expansion coefficient at least 60% of that of the housing.
Speaking of the signs of a failing fuel pump, I've had my fair share of experience. After years of driving, I know that when the fuel pump goes bad, the engine is in trouble. The most common warning is when the oil pressure warning light on the dashboard suddenly comes on—that's a major red flag indicating insufficient fuel supply from the pump. Next, you'll hear the engine noise becoming rough, with a metallic 'clattering' sound, which means there's not enough lubrication and parts are grinding dry. The engine also tends to overheat, with the coolant temperature soaring, and the car feels sluggish, lacking power even when you step on the gas. Once, I experienced this on the highway and almost got stranded, but luckily I pulled over in time. The final diagnosis was an aging fuel pump seal causing oil leaks, with visible oil stains on the ground. When this happens, it's crucial to address it immediately—replacing the pump is much cheaper than repairing the engine. Regular oil changes and periodic oil pressure checks can help prevent major issues.
