Improper fuel delivery from a failing fuel pump disrupts the air-fuel mixture, leading to increased fuel consumption. A dying Fuel pump might provide less pressure or an uneven pressure; the engine will compensate for that by burning more fuel. According to a 2023 report from the Automotive Maintenance Institute, this inefficiency can contribute to as much as a 15% increase in fuel consumption.
Fuel pressure is important for modern engines — because of the targeted air-fuel ratio (14.7:1 in automotive gasoline applications) between 30 and 60 PSI is typically required. If a pump is faulty and sends a lower pressure, a lean mixture forms – that is, not enough fuel with the air. Alternatively, if pressure fluctuates sporadically, a mixture rich in fuel will saturate the combustion chamber. In both cases, fuel efficiency is impaired and emissions are increased.
In addition to higher fuel consumption due to pump problems, other symptoms include poor idling, stalling, or a lack of acceleration. Clogged filters in the pump, for example, can slow or stop flow while worn-out elements, such as diaphragms or electrical connections, make matters worse when delivering fuel. Another study published in the Journal of Automotive Engineering shows 30% of vehicles with failing fuel pumps exhibited significant drops in mileage efficiency.
Real-world examples devastating the economy from a dead fuel pump. Pend it 2021.. when a recall for a large car manufacturer was issued, it was discovered that fuel pumps were to blame for many of the affected vehicles burning 10% more fuel than normal. Not only did drivers have to pay for the higher cost of fuel, but inefficient combustion also put them at risk for long-term engine damage.
Fuel Efficiency Restored — Replacing a Failing Fuel Pump A new pump is priced between $300 and $800, but failure to address the issue could mean repairs of more than $2,000 if there’s damage to the engine or catalytic converter from unburned fuel. Routine maintenance (checking and replacing filters) lengthens the life of the pump, which often lasts to about 100,000 miles.
“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking,” Henry Ford. For example, ensuring the health of a Fuel pump follows this principle, keeping the vehicle performing as it should and avoiding unwanted costs. Repairing pump failures can also conserve fuel consumption and protect the general state of the engine and fuel system.