If your engine is sputtering at high speeds, Texan Auto Repair & Collision advises that it’s possible that your fuel pump is going out. The fuel pump has a lifespan of about 100,000 miles. After this duration, the fuel pump may need to be replaced. The reason why your engine sputters at high speeds is that the pump is not pushing enough fuel into the engine to support the extra power. This is just one sign that your fuel pump needs to be replaced. Here are other signs, as well.
Hard/No Engine Starts
The fuel pump is responsible for getting the fuel out of the tank and into the engine. If it is struggling to do so, it may be difficult to get your engine started are you may not be able to get it started at all. Usually, you have starting difficulties before the engine dies completely.
Overheating Engine
The fuel pump can also cause your engine to overheat. The fuel pump uses diesel fuel or gasoline to keep its motor cool. If it isn’t drawing enough out of the tank, the motor will overheat and, consequently, so will your vehicle’s engine. It will also stall if it gets too hot.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Another sign that your fuel pump is going bad is a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. When the fuel pump cannot supply the right amount of diesel fuel or gasoline to the engine, the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber gets imbalanced. When this happens, your engine does not run efficiently and, consequently, it will become a gas guzzler.
Reduced Fuel Pressure
The fuel pump directly affects your vehicle’s fuel pressure. If your vehicle is suffering from low fuel pressure, this is a sign that the fuel pump needs to be replaced. You can test your vehicle’s fuel pressure by purchasing a gauge at an auto parts store. This being said, we can test the fuel pressure for you, as well, if you would prefer to have it done in our shop.
Stress Power Loss
Finally, as with higher speeds, your vehicle’s engine requires more fuel when it is under stress. Things that stress out a vehicle engine are towing a heavy load, overloading the vehicle, or driving on steep roads. If your vehicle loses power under these conditions, it’s possible that you need to get the fuel pump replaced.
Call Texan Auto Repair & Collision in Sugar Land, TX, today if you are experiencing any of the signs of a dead fuel pump listed above.
