A clogged Fuel Pump is among the common problems that may be experienced by any vehicle owner. Such blockage may prevent fuel from flowing properly to the engine; hence, poor performance, stalling, or even complete failure of the engine may be witnessed. A definite sign that could prove your fuel pump to be clogged is a considerable loss of power in the engine. A blockage that restricts the fuel pump from delivering the needed quantity of fuel to the engine causes stalling of the engine, especially during periods of load increase, such as acceleration or climbing uphill. A decrease in power during these situations should be a red flag for possible fuel pump problems.
Another symptom of a clogged Fuel Pump is erratic engine idling or stalling. If the supply of fuel becomes uneven because of a blockage, then the engine may idle roughly or stall without warning. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, about 20% of all vehicle stalls are related to problems in fuel delivery, with blockages in the fuel pump contributing significantly. This is due to the fact that the engine isn’t getting a constant supply of fuel, which also causes problems when trying to start the car, especially in cold weather when proper fuel flow is most important.
Poor fuel economy is another sign that your Fuel Pump may be clogged. When the fuel pump isn’t working properly, the combustion process is usually incomplete and often results in low mileage. This may be caused by the pump’s effort to push fuel through a blocked line or filter, which in turn stresses the engine and reduces its overall efficiency. According to the Department of Energy, a faulty fuel system can lead to a reduction in fuel efficiency by up to 15%.
Other times, a clog might come across with a more noticeable noise or vibration of the fuel pump. This may include abnormal noises when the fuel pump has to fight its way to force fuel through the filter or line that’s clogged. Such noise, buzzing, whine, or rattling is symptomatic of the fuel pump trying to work harder than what is required of it-and all too often a result of the flow of fuel being obstructed.
Testing the fuel pressure is a very effective way to confirm a clogged fuel pump. If the fuel pressure gauge shows readings below what the manufacturer has specified, this may indicate a blockage. Most fuel pumps are designed to work within a pressure range of 35-50 PSI, and any noticeable deviation from this can signify a problem. If the pressure reads low, then the blockage could be either with a clogged filter or a fuel line.