An electric fuel pump provides more benefits and advantages compared to traditional mechanical fuel pumps. This is why the demand for electric fuel pumps is now higher than ever. Electrical fuel pumps are proven to be easier to use and maintain, plus it’s more convenient. They are also better suited, especially with the newer and more modern models of vehicles available today.

Of course, it’s only right first to understand electric fuel pumps in general. To help you, listed below are several important points you need to know about them.

1. Connectors

As current flows through a circuit, the most commonplace resistance to occur (other than the load) is in a connector. There will be no resistance whatsoever if the connection is kept clean and tight. However, resistance increases if the contacts are loose, corroded, polluted, or simply not large enough to accommodate the current flow. This reduces or “drops” the voltage downstream of the connector, concentrating heat at the point where the voltages diverge; across the region of greatest resistance.

When a connector overheats, the plastic housing begins to stretch. The problem escalates; the contacts loosen or get corroded or polluted, raising resistance, generating even more heat and promoting corrosion, which increases resistance even more. The voltage in the circuit is reduced “downstream” of the high resistance, lowering the pump motor’s voltage. This is why an electric fuel pump circuit has connectors that are made of very tough materials.

2. Check valve

There are two fuel pressure specifications for every vehicle: system pressure and hold pressure. Hold pressure is maintained by the fuel pump’s check valve when the engine is turned off. Doing so will help you start the engine more easily.

The pressure will escape if the check valve breaks or opens by force due to fuel contamination. If this occurs while the engine is cold, the starter will crank for a little longer until the fuel pump builds up enough pressure to start the engine. When the engine is hot, the liquid fuel in the warm injector rail evaporates, resulting in a “vapour lock” that stops liquid fuel from reaching the injectors. Extended cranking may start the engine, but not all fuel pumps can compress the fuel vapour back to a liquid. The engine will not start until the vapour cools and condenses on its own.

3. Whack the fuel tank

Have an assistant crank the engine while you hit the fuel tank with a rubber mallet. If the vehicle starts during this procedure, it’s a pretty clear sign the electric motor inside the pump is bad. Sometimes whacking the tank jars would temporarily help let things keep moving.

4. Use starter fluid

First, you should understand that this task can be harmful to you and your engine if not done properly and carefully. Try it at your own risk, and make sure you have the necessary safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, on hand. Put on your safety glasses. On a diesel engine, do not use starter fluid. If you wish to try the test, remove the air intake and spray starting fluid into the throttle body to try to start the vehicle. Allow a helper to crank the engine while you spray; if it starts and runs briefly, the issue is fuel-related and may indicate a faulty pump. As your next step, you should check the fuel pressure.

5. Check fuel volume

A pump may produce adequate pressure yet not create enough volume. The fuel pump volume test will be very useful in such a situation. In many cases, you can use a fuel pressure gauge to measure volume as well.

Begin by connecting the gauge and inserting the bleed end of the hose into a clean container. Without starting the engine, engage the pump for 15 seconds while holding down the tool’s relief valve. The pump should have successfully delivered a pint of fuel at this time. For the particular process and specs for your car, consult the repair manual.

6. Mounting the electric pump in an enclosed area

You need to keep the fuel line away from heat sources and keep the electric fuel pump out of enclosed areas, such as the trunk or interior of your car. You can lessen the probability of a fuel leak or fire by doing this. You can also keep the pressure off the fuel lines. Also, your insurance company won’t cover any damages caused by a leak or fire if your fuel pump is in an enclosed space.

7. Mounting the electric pump in a high area

Your pump will need to work harder to successfully pump fuel into the system if you place it in a high place. That will shorten the pump’s lifespan, and it’ll under-deliver fuel to the engine. You want to keep it in a low place, perhaps under the tank.

If you have a newer car model, the electric fuel pump would be perfect for your car engine. Since electric fuel pumps bring more benefits and advantages to your vehicle, you must know how to determine whether there’s an issue or a problem. You must also know when to fix or completely replace it. Understanding the abovementioned points would greatly help you keep them in top condition for a long time.

Brandon Turner

Brandon Turner