Diagnosing a Fuel Pump pressure drop is key to more fuel delivery system calls. For example, dropping fuel pressure prevents the optimum air-fuel ratio from being met in the combustion chamber; this can lead to stalling, misfiring and rough driving conditions. Pressure drop testing requires (1) specific tools, and (2) clear observations of performance changes.
Your best tool for diagnosis is a fuel pressure gauge. To check the output of the pump, attach one end of a gauge to a Schrader valve on the fuel rail. A healthy pump will register around 40-60 psi with the ignition in the “on” position (or possibly different per manufacturer specs). If it reads below this range, it is not pumping enough pressure for the engine to run properly, and could be due to a bad pump, clogged filter or malfunctioning regulator.
Dropping pressure is sometimes also synonymous with intermittent power loss. When there is an increased demand for fuel like acceleration or while going uphill, the pump may fail to meet that and you might experience hesitation in the engine as well as stalling of it. According to mechanics, pressure drops account for 30% of stalling complaints in autos with more than 60,000 miles.
Pressure drops can also be caused by leaks in the fuel system. By visually inspecting the fuel lines, connectors, and tank for wet spots or strong fuel odors helps to locate leaks. The second by testing for pressure retention — after turning off the engine, I monitor the gauge. A proper system should retain pressure for 5 minutes or more; if it drops off quickly then a leak was found somewhere in the system or there is check valve failure.
Apart from the benefits afforded by aquaculture, these relatable examples underscore why timely mitigation of pressure drops is crucial. Pressure drop from malfunctioning pumps caused stalling and loss of power (at highway speeds) in 200,000 vehicles recalled in 2020. For example, some drivers said it caused them slower acceleration and issues in trying to get the car restarted.
So, to reduce the chances of pressure drops, preventative maintenance exists. That said, changing the fuel filter once every 15,000 to 30,000 miles makes sure that clean fuel is flowing (which prevents sludge buildup), and keeping the tank a minimum of 25% full allows the pump to remain submerged in gas — overheating is an easily-overlooked factor for pressure inefficiences.
If you notice a drop in pressure on the vehicle, replacing the pump with an original like Kemso Fuel Pumps will restore consistent performance. Designed with long-lasting efficiency, these pumps ensure dependable fuel delivery in a range of conditions.
Get more at Fuel Pump and reliable replacement options. However, if pressure decreases due to a failed hose or clogged filter, the catalytic converter (above) will dissolve, as will any other components in the engine. Regular checks with an early warning can prevent these costly damage to fuel systems and engines from occurring.