The fuel pump is another of those mechanical elements that are not given much attention because they do not usually cause problems (a priori), but it is convenient to know certain things about it to make sure that it is always like this. We tell you its characteristics, the reasons why it can be damaged, its operation and we give you some considerations to take into account.
The first thing is to know what it is. It is the element that is responsible for extracting the fuel from the tank to supply it to the injectors continuously and thus start the combustion process in the thermal engine.
Characteristics of a fuel pump
It is a not very large device that, nowadays, is usually electric and operates at 12 volts. It has the following parts: pump rotor, pump casing, roller, safety valve, armature and non-return valve.
In order to work, there must be a minimum pressure of between 2 and 4 bars in the injector ramp, although as you drive faster, so the engine revolutions will increase, the pressure will increase until it reaches a point between 3 and 4 bars.
Is it good to rush the reservation?
There have always been those who have rushed the reserve driving, but today, with how expensive gasoline is, it is a practice that is more common. However, it is not recommended at all, since it can cause problems for the car.
The reason is in the fuel pump itself, and it is that driving with little fuel harms it in two different ways that can lead to it breaking down.
The first is because the pump is inside the tank, so it uses the gasoline itself as a coolant. Thus, if there is not enough, the temperature will not be lowered and there will be a risk of overheating.
The second is due to the fact that, as there is little fuel, the residues that are stored at the bottom of the tank will mix with it, causing more impurities in the gasoline and these end up clogging the pump, which could lead to damage. components such as injectors.
What faults can the fuel pump suffer?
The first is that it is clogged, which will cause the gasoline not to flow as it should to the injectors and the car jerks.
It is also possible that the pressure in the injector rail is lower than it should be, which will cause the car to start only sometimes or not at all. If it is the first, there is a possibility that it is because the electrical contacts do not transmit the necessary voltage intensity for correct operation.
Finally, it is also possible that the pump seizes, in which case the only solution is to go to a workshop to have it repaired or replaced.
Can fuel pump failures be prevented? How much does it cost to change it?
At this point we have two good news: preventing breakdowns in the fuel pump is quite simple and, in the event that it breaks, its price is not one of the most expensive either.
Keeping the component in good condition is as easy as not rushing the tank too much, which will ensure that the pump always operates at the correct temperature and that there are no impurities that clog it. By passing by the gas station before you will avoid unpleasantness.
Even so, it is possible that it ends up breaking down and that it has to be changed. As we have pointed out, the price of the fuel pump is not very high, it is usually around 60 euros, so what will take most of the budget will be the workforce, because depending on the car and the skill of the mechanic It can take between one and two hours.
