Poor fuel quality is often the culprit that leads to fuel pump failure, and it can be one of those causes that might not be quite apparent to the owner. Research has indicated that up to 40% of vehicle fuel system failures can be directly attributed to contaminants in fuel, such as dirt, water, or other debris. When fuel is of poor quality, it often results in blockages, corrosion, and even complete fuel pump failure. For example, water in the fuel is one of the major reasons for the failure of the fuel pump, considering that it might corrode its internal components, such as the motor and fuel filter, after some time. According to a 2020 report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), contamination of fuel is among the leading concerns in the automotive industry, which contributes to almost 20% of all engine failures. In fact, water in fuel can cause rust in the fuel pump, which can obstruct the proper flow of fuel and thus cause uneven fuel supply, hence leading to eventual pump failure. This may be more evident in older vehicles, where fuel systems are most susceptible to contamination due to degraded seals and gaskets.
Another factor that influences fuel quality and affects the fuel pump is sediment or particulate matter. Such fuel is normally dirty, possibly from substandard fuel stations or improper storage, containing small particles capable of clogging the fuel filter and reducing fuel flow. Since the fuel pump has to push fuel through this contaminated fuel system, it can result in failure due to the increased strain. According to the American Society of Automotive Engineers, up to 25% of premature fuel pump failures are directly related to dirty or contaminated fuel.
Additives in fuel, added to enhance performance, could also be the cause of damage if not applied in appropriate quantities. Some kinds of additives, when added in excess, can cause certain residue to build up inside the fuel system that can end up blocking the fuel pump. These additives, added into the fuel by many car owners for improving fuel efficiency or engine performance, can alter the chemical nature of the fuel, leading to detrimental deposits on the components of the pump.
The Fuel Pump is designed to work within a particular specification of fuel. When the fuel does not meet the required standard, as is often the case with low-quality gasoline or diesel, there is a greater chance of damage to the fuel pump. This may be more evident when the demand for fuel is high, such as in heavy acceleration or high-speed driving, where the fuel pump has to work harder to deliver adequate fuel supply to the engine. Over time, this poor fuel will dramatically cut down the pump’s lifespan, which might need some expensive repairs or replacement of the pump altogether.
General Motors reported in 2019 that fuel-quality-related failures in its vehicles jumped up by 17%, with high fuel contamination levels observed in specific regions. Most of such failures were traced back to the high use of low-grade fuels within specific markets, further increasing the need to maintain fuel quality.
In addition, when fuel quality goes down and the in-tank pump has failed, usually the symptom can be presented with some sorts of engine hiccups, stalling, hesitation, or simply loss of power. For instance, because the poor-quality fuel pump is no longer capable of maintaining a stable, consistent fuel flow to the power unit, some effects are: it might lead to several serious faults with rough idling of the vehicle, poor accelerative response, and even a dramatic drop of the power during motion.
Most fuel pump failures related to poor quality fuel are preventable by allowing nothing but clean, high-quality fuel into the vehicle, keeping up with regular fuel system maintenance. The employment of quality fuel filters will work to prevent contaminants from seeping into the fuel, as will avoiding substandard service stations.
For high-performance and reliable fuel pumps, choose products that meet the industry’s stringent standards. Visit Fuel Pump for durable and efficient fuel pump solutions to avoid the common pitfalls caused by poor fuel quality.