Can a Bad Fuel Pump Cause Your Car to Sputter?

Crummy Fuel Pump: If the fuel pump is bad or weak, it will cause sporadic delivery of fuel to your car engine that may stall your vehicle. Fuel pumps provide the pressure needed, and that can be between 40 and 60 psi, to give you a good fuel-air mixture for ignition. If the pump will not produce enough pressure to output fuel, then it delivers inconsistent fuel, and this leads to sputtering upon acceleration or during heavy load on the engine.

A common symptom of an early pump failing is an inconsistent fuel flow. According to mechanics, if it is the fuel pump that is failing, a vehicle will usually start sputtering when it reaches high speeds or during inclines. Interruptions in the combustion cycle mean rough spritely delivery so this leads to a noticeable jolt or hesitation. Related: Study: One Out of Every Four Sputtering Complaints Tied to Fuel System Problem, Pumps Among Culprits–AAA A 2009 study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that one out of every four complaints for sputtering on vehicles can be traced back directly to a malfunction in their fuel systems with the pump often being at fault.

This sputtering can also be caused by fuel contamination. Dirt, debris or water that gets into the fuel tank may block the flow of fuel by clogging up the pump or fuel injectors. For this reason, mechanics suggest replacing the fuel filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles to ensure that no impurities and contaminants would reach the pump and damage it over time. Clogs cause the pump to work harder; this wears it down faster, unfortunately resulting in less even fuel delivery.

Pump failure is also very much caused by overheating. As for the fuel level falling below 25%, the pump is subjected to elevated temperatures where it no longer has a sufficient amount of petrol for cooling. That results in motor strain and followed by variable fuel delivery, which then turn sputtering after long period drives or encounters STPT.

Cases from the real world show how failing pumps can affect. Last year, the company was forced to recall more than 150,000 vehicles for defective fuel pumps while there were numerous reports about sputtering, stalling and hesitation. Drivers also described worsening of symptoms (pointing once again to the important utility of the pump to provide consistent pressure) in high demand conditions, such as highway driving.

Pressure testing the pump using a gauge will give you an accurate diagnosis. Pressure is measured around the fuel rail, allowing mechanics to confirm whether or not the pump can maintain that range. If the reading is below manufacturer specifications then it means that the pump has to be replaced.

Installing a quality replacement like Kemso Fuel Pumps, helps steady the flow of gas frequently found when you are running on empty. These pumps are manufactured to OEM specifications, ensuring quality and durability.

Go With Fuel Pump to learn more and get dependable replacement solutions. Taking care of this problem early on will avoid the potential for more complex engine problems later on, and eliminates rough driving behavior.

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