Why Does My Fuel Pump Fail After Several Years?

Most vehicle owners find themselves dealing with fuel pump failure after years of service, which could arise due to any number of reasons. By design, a fuel pump usually lasts between 100,000 and 150,000 miles or approximately 8-10 years in the hands of an average driver. Nonetheless, some factors can still make it malfunction even with proper maintenance. Wear and tear on the internal components is one major cause. In most cases, the motor inside the fuel pump wears down over a period of time, hence causing a failure to generate the required pressure inside it. This loss of pressure affects the overall fuel delivery system, and eventually the pump can fail entirely.

The American Automobile Association has estimated that close to 10% of all car breakdowns relate to the fuel pump, and most such failures have occurred after several years of its use. This number shoots up for older cars with over 60 percent vehicles more than ten years old having some problem of delivery of fuel. The motor of the pump would eventually wear out from lack of cooling by lubricating fuel, contaminated or debris-laden fuel could be the cause. Particles might build up inside the fuel tank and block the pump, especially when the fuel filter is not changed often enough.

The design and materials of the fuel pump also influence its longevity. Pumps made from lower-quality materials or those lacking sufficient protective mechanisms tend to fail sooner. For example, if the fuel contains more than 1% of water or dirt, which is common in older cars or those that don’t get used frequently, the fuel pump can become strained. According to industry research, around 30% of fuel pump failures can be attributed to fuel contamination.

Another factor is temperature. Usually, the fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank and can easily overheat if the level of the fuel is constantly low. Low levels reduce the amount of liquid that keeps the pump cooled down by its action. Over time, this will make the pump lose its ability to generate pressure, which could result in a failure after just a few years. According to a report by Bosch, about 15% of fuel pump failures are attributed to overheating due to low fuel levels.

Other external factors, like driving conditions of the car, can also hasten the wear and tear on the fuel pump. Long periods of idling, heavy stop-and-go traffic, or consistent high-speed driving can put extra strain on the pump and increase the chances of failure. According to John D. McDonald, an industry expert at Fuel Systems Technologies, “Continuous stress on the pump due to poor driving habits or environmental factors can drastically reduce its life expectancy.”

The fuel pump would be sure to last longer with proper routine care, such as cleaning up the fuel system, changing fuel filters, and using good fuel. If a fuel pump begins to wear out, exhibiting signs of inconsistent fuel pressure or engine stalls, it typically needs replacement to avoid complete breakdowns. A failing fuel pump makes the performance of the entire engine suffer, creating poor fuel economy, rough idling, or stalling of the engine.

For further information on maintenance and replacement of your fuel pump, see Fuel Pump.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping Cart