It is often believed that gathering the funds to purchase a vehicle is the most challenging part. However, the tricky part is to constantly pay attention to the car and ensure that all its components are working in tune. Since a car is a machine, any part that is out of sync may shut down the entire mechanism. And among these, fuel pumps are one of the most vital parts of a vehicle. Without them, the engine would not be able to receive the correct amount of fuel according to the varying speed and load requirements. So to better understand their function, let’s delve into the roots of a fuel pump:
Different Forms
The primary purpose of a fuel pump is to deliver fuel to the carburettor after considering the speed and load requirements. They can achieve this using two distinct mechanisms, as given below:
- Mechanical fuel pump: It is usually a low-pressure fuel pump designed to transfer the fuel from the tank to the fuel bowl of the spark-ignition engine.
- Electrical fuel pump: It is a fuel pump that uses high pressure to deliver the fuel out of the pump. The battery of the vehicle supplies the current to operate this fuel pump.
Irrespective of the type, a fuel pump is essential for the smooth working of an engine. So, let’s see why this is the case.
How Does a Fuel Pump Help the Engine Run Smoothly?
The primary purpose of a fuel pump is to transport the fuel from the tank to the injectors, allowing the fuel to reach its desired spot. Due to this, the vehicle can run smoothly without any hiccups. In addition, the fuel pump is also responsible for creating adequate pressure that allows the injectors to deliver the correct amount of fuel, irrespective of the operating conditions. Meanwhile, the pressure from the pump and the flow of the fuel must be according to the requirements set by the vehicle’s manufacturer. If not, the emissions and engine performance of the car will suffer, significantly reducing the vehicle’s lifespan. But often, it can be not easy to realise if your vehicle needs a new fuel pump. So, are there signs that can help you recognise it earlier?
How Do You Recognise a Faulty Fuel Pump?
The symptoms of a vehicle with a faulty fuel pump can be comparable to that of a vehicle without any fuel. Since the primary function of fuel pumps is to meter and supply fuel, a faulty pump means that your vehicle won’t start. In fact, the vehicle might make noises but not start even when there is sufficient fuel. Alternatively, it could start but stop after covering a short distance since the proper amount of fuel isn’t supplied to the carburettor. In addition, your vehicle may start to misfire at higher speeds and have trouble climbing hills.
There are numerous reasons why fuel pumps need to be replaced. For example, they might get clogged or blocked due to rust, dirt, and other debris finding their way into the system, and this can lead to irreparable engine damage if not addressed. Hence, it is essential to periodically check the fuel pump of your vehicle and replace it immediately if you notice any discrepancies!
