What Causes a Fuel Pump to Fail?
2 Answers
The reasons for fuel pump failure are: prolonged non-replacement of the fuel filter, severe blockage in the fuel filter supply system, causing the fuel pump to work under strain, and long-term operation under high load conditions leading to damage. The function of the fuel pump is to draw gasoline from the fuel tank and press it through the pipelines and fuel filter into the float chamber of the carburetor. It is precisely because of the fuel pump that the fuel tank can be placed at the rear of the vehicle, away from the engine, and below the engine. Fuel pumps can be divided into two types based on their driving methods: mechanically driven diaphragm type and electrically driven type. Mechanically driven diaphragm fuel pumps are generally driven by an eccentric wheel on the camshaft; electric fuel pumps are not driven by the camshaft but rely on electromagnetic force to repeatedly actuate the pump diaphragm.
I often think about the issue of fuel pump failures, and the main problems lie in daily usage and fuel quality. Using low-quality gasoline with excessive impurities can clog the pump over time, causing severe wear and tear. Another common scenario is running the tank too low, forcing the pump to operate dry, which leads to heat buildup and motor burnout. Electrical issues like significant voltage fluctuations can also damage the pump. My advice is to avoid cheap fuel to save money, schedule regular maintenance to check the fuel filter, keep the tank at least a quarter full, and park in shaded areas to prevent heat-related damage. Speaking of which, a friend’s car once stalled suddenly on the road—super dangerous—and the diagnosis was a failed pump due to poor fuel quality and chronic low fuel levels. Since then, I’ve been more careful about gas station choices and refueling habits.
