Contaminated fuel is one of the major causes of damage to both the pump and other vital parts of an engine and, yes, it can indeed cause a Fuel Pump to fail. Contaminated fuel may contain impurities like dirt, water, rust, or debris that can easily clog the filters and internal mechanisms of the Fuel Pump. Industry reports indicate that fuel contamination accounts for approximately 30% of all vehicle Fuel Pump failures. Also, any blockage of the fuel intake or clogging in fuel lines puts extra pressure on the Fuel Pump, eventually forcing it to overheat or eventually wear out or fail entirely.
Fuel contamination can again cause internal corrosion inside the pump. Water in fuel could cause rust formation on the metal parts, which again contributes to disrupting the flow of fuel. In extreme cases, it could damage the internal bearings or seals of the Fuel Pump, causing leaks or loss of pressure. This may be hastened by up to 40% of its lifetime, as certain studies from automotive research organizations have shown.
The effects of contaminated fuel do not stop at the Fuel Pump. The dirt or debris that enters can clog fuel injectors, reduce fuel efficiency, and cause erratic engine performance. A clogged Fuel Pump also leads to a drop in fuel pressure that may result in engine misfires or poor acceleration response. As a fact, contaminated fuel is responsible for about 25% of engine performance problems related to poor fuel delivery.
To avoid this, routine fuel system maintenance is necessary. Fuel filters should be changed at regular intervals, and the driver should try to avoid filling their tanks at gas stations with a history of fuel contamination problems. In some instances, the addition of fuel additives can help minimize the impact of minor contamination by cleaning the fuel and preventing further damage to the pump. If contamination is suspected, fuel tank cleaning or a fuel system flush may be required to remove the debris and restore proper fuel flow.