Ways Of Testing Your Electric Fuel Pump

Fuel pump failure never seems to come at a good time. In most cases, once it breaks down, your vehicle will stop running, leaving you stuck. In some cases, the fuel pump will begin to show some subtle signs of failure before failing. Knowing these signs and ways to test them can help you determine when to buy a new electric fuel pump and avoid a costly breakdown or a dangerous situation. So you better read down below. These are the ways of testing your fuel pump and see if you need to buy a new one and replace it or not.

Performing an electrical test

One of the main methods that you can use to test a fuel pump is the electrical test. The first step is to check the fuel pump fuse, as most of the time, it is not the pump that fails but the power supply that supplies it. Find the location of the fuse box, then find the correct fuse that matches the fuel pump. Pull out the fuel pump and check for any signs of failure or if the fuse is blown.

If the fuse looks good and does not show any damage, you do not need to replace them. When this is the case, have a helper turn the key while listening to the fuel pump relay clicking on. If you need to replace a fuse, make sure you use one with the right amp rating.

Performing a fuel pressure test

The first step of performing a fuel pressure test is to eliminate the filter as the fuel issues. If the filter is clogged with debris and dirt, you can have trouble accelerating and might think that your fuel pump has an issue. To check the filter, you need to remove it and drain excessive fuel. Use a short piece of rubber hose on the filter inlet and inspect the screen for debris and replace the filter if necessary.

You need to find a fuel pressure gauge to use in the pressure test then hook it to the fuel pump test fitting. Locate the fuel pump test point and find where the pump connects to the filter injector rail. Then ask someone else to rev the engine while you check the reading on the gauge. Allow the engine to warm up slightly, then check the idle pressure and speed in the pump specification.

Surging power

You need to buy a new electric fuel pump once you noticed your vehicle is surging. Surging describes a state in which the car on its own suddenly accelerates, only to decelerate moments later. This dangerous state may be due to a fuel pump malfunction.

If this is happening to your car, you may be tempted to think about something other than the fuel pump, as the normal symptoms of a faulty fuel pump involve loss of power and slowing down. However, it is a fuel pump problem caused by an old fuel pump that has developed sporadic resistance within the engine. Therefore, the pump may not be able to draw electricity from the motor consistently and normally. Therefore, surges represent cases where electricity is consumed, causing a rise in pressure leading to sudden power spikes in performance.

Loss in power climbing uphill

Your fuel pump is failing when you are having a hard time driving uphill. When there is an obstacle, let’s say a large pothole and your vehicle may have a hard time getting past it or even cough intermittently.

The simple explanation is that the fuel pump is old, worn, or faulty. Pretty normal driving may not be a problem, but once challenged to something complicated, like climbing a hill, it will quickly reveal its true status.

How An Electric Fuel Pump Works

An electric pump has a similar diaphragm and valve, but instead of the camshaft, a solenoid (an electromagnetic switch) provides traction on the diaphragm. The solenoid attracts an iron rod which pulls the diaphragm down, bringing the gasoline into the chamber.

At the end of its travel, the iron rod separates a series of contacts interrupting the current to the electromagnet and loosening the traction on the diaphragm.

The diaphragm raises itself and draws the rod away from the contacts simultaneously. The electromagnetic pull attracts them as they close.

Circulating petrol continuously

There are only times when the carburettor requires fuel, which is when many mechanical and electrical systems function. An alternative system provides a complete circuit of pipes, from the tank to the carburettor and vice versa. The pump continuously sends gasoline through this circuit, from which the carburettor draws gasoline when it needs it.

Filtering petrol and air

Both gasoline and air are filtered before going to the carburettor. The fuel filter can be replaceable paper within a plastic housing on the fuel line. A pump may include a metal wire or plastic gauze filter and sometimes a container to collect sediment. The air cleaner typically has a replaceable paper filter, and you can find it in the carburettor air intake.

Mentioned are the ways to know if you need to get a new electric fuel pump or not. Besides them, you have to know the signs that you need to replace your old one. Engine surging can be a sure indicator that there is a problem with the pump. Sometimes a car will be able to move normally at a constant speed, and then it will pick up and surge forward. It will often occur without the gas pedal being depressed and the driver accelerating the car. Unnatural resistance with the fuel pump motor can cause it. Also, that’s why you need to note the ways provided above.