Fuel Injection Pump: Maximise your pump's lifespan
The fuel injection pump of today are more or less the same as the earliest forms of mechanical pumps. They all carry out the same task using a diaphragm connected to a rod. This when stroked creates a vacuum between the pump and the fuel tank and ultimately transfers fuel onto the other side into the fuel injectors.
During the days of the carburetor, the fuel injection pumps were required to produce a relatively lower pressure for the suction action to take place.
Origins
Fuel injection pumps were introduced by one of our trusted suppliers, Bosch Injector Systems. This system was installed externally very close to the fuel tank. Due to its close proximity to the tank, fuel injection pumps do not necessarily require a vacuum as much as its predecessor.
Average Cost
There has been a gradual increase in price of fuel pumps over the years. This is due to the fact that more and more other parts have now become part of the fuel pump.
The fuel pressure regulator, which has the ability to raise the RPM of the vehicle was at times part of the fuel filter to fixed at the fuel rail on the return side.
To make things even complicated, the fuel sending unit is now part of the fuel pump as well instead of being part of the fuel tank.
The silver lining to it is that other equipment like fuel tanks have reduced in price and there has been simplifications in the electrical circuitry due to this change.
A fuel pump nowadays would come to roughly about $500.
5 Great Tips
If you have issues with your fuel gauge or pressure fluctuations, chances are you need a new fuel pump installed. With the workmanship to install it, this could set you back by about $1000.
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Listed below are a few tips for you to live by that could enhance the lifespan of your fuel pump.
Stay away from the unbranded or lower tier fuels. Give your vehicle what it deserves, the best. Stick to brand names such as …
Keep your fuel tank always above half-full. The fuel pump is a motor, hence it heats up during operation. When it is immersed in a tank with fuel in it, the fuel acts as a coolant thereby reducing its temperature.
Never refill from a station that is getting fuel at the time. There is an increased probability of dirt and deposits getting into your system at this time, despite the filters being installed.
Replace your fuel filter (if outside the tank) yearly irrespective of the distance travelled. You don't want to get impurities clogging up your fuel pump under no circumstances.
If your fuel normally doesn't get used up within 2 weeks, it's best to use an anti-ethanol agent. This prevents old fuel from gelling. The gelling of fuel is the biggest root causes for fuel pump failure.