Other contributing factors to failure include wear and tear, fuel contamination, electrical malfunction, and lack of lubrication. The leading causes of fuel pump failure are long-term wear following normal use. Most fuel pumps have an expected life range of 100,000 to 150,000 miles. After components degrade with time, the efficiency goes down, and the pump eventually does not work anymore.
This is accompanied by fuel contamination. The fuel tank receives dirt, rust, and other debris that can clog up the fuel pump or filter. Clogged filters exert added strain on the pump, overheating it enough to cause failure. It has been estimated that such buildup can degrade the effectiveness of a pump by as much as 20%, and clogged pumps can often be expected to fail within a year if left unaddressed.
Running on low fuel constantly overheats the pump due to a lack of lubrication; the fuel cools and lubricates the pump when it is operational. Vehicles running day in and day out with less than a quarter of a tank full can, in fact, destroy the pump in this manner. Without ample fuel inside the tank, there is a higher chance it may overheat, which ultimately means the pump works at lesser efficiency and can lower its lifespan as much as 30%.
Electrical fuel pump failure can also be due to electrical problems like a failing fuel pump relay or an issue with wiring. The fuel pumps require constant power at 12 volts. Anything less, dropping to 10 volts or below, the pump will not operate appropriately. Voltage fluctuations put excessive loads on the pump motor and may result in erratic fuel delivery, rough acceleration, or even worse-complete pump failure. Regular checks of the fuel pump relay and states of the battery avoid these sorts of failures.
Poor-quality fuel, mainly because of ethanol-laden gasoline, could cause problems in the fuel pump. Ethanol吸 militant water that creates internal corrosion in the pump. In certain parts of the country where the level of ethanol may be high, the life span may be reduced by almost 20% due to corrosion of internal parts. With the advancement of technology, a large number of manufacturers now sell ethanol-friendly pumps, but the usage of fuel additives more frequently that can neutralize the adverse effect of ethanol will further help to prolong the pump life.
Good quality fuel, running on appropriate levels of fuel, and periodic checks go a long way in extending the life of a Fuel Pump for seamless performance of your vehicle. The proper care can help avoid many common causes of failure that are responsible for reliable fuel delivery and engine efficiency.