If your engine keeps overheating every time you drive your car, truck, or utility vehicle, but the cooling system is fully functional, it’s possible that the fuel pump is going bad. The fuel pump relies on the fuel it draws out of the tank to keep its motor cool. If it cannot draw enough fuel to act as a coolant, the motor will overheat. John Ellis & Son advises that, unfortunately, this will cause your engine to overheat when you drive your automobile. Let’s talk about the other signs of a faulty fuel pump below.
Engine Stress Power Loss
When the engine is under stress, it will lose power if it is not getting enough fuel. Unfortunately, this can make operating your vehicle difficult during the power loss. For example, assume for the moment that you drive a truck and you are trying to tow a trailer. If the engine is losing significant power, the fuel pump is unable to push enough gasoline or diesel fuel into the engine.
Hard Engine Starts/No Starts
Another sign that your fuel pump is going bad is difficulties starting your automobile’s engine. Eventually, your engine will not start at all because the fuel pump has died and is no longer pulling fuel out of the tank and sending it to the engine.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
Unfortunately, a malfunctioning fuel pump will also significantly reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy. This is because the engine is not receiving the correct amount of fuel to run efficiently. Consequently, the engine will blow through whatever fuel it gets.
Reduction in Fuel Pressure
A dying fuel pump will also reduce the fuel pressure in your automobile. If you have a fuel pressure gauge, you can test the fuel pressure to see if it is within the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can purchase one of these stages at an auto parts store.
Sputtering at High Speeds
Aside from the stress power loss we discussed above, your engine will also lose power when you try to drive at higher speeds. Again, this is because the faulty fuel pump is not providing the engine with enough fuel.
Surging/Picking Up Speed
Oddly, a malfunctioning fuel pump can also cause your vehicle to go too fast. If it pushes too much gasoline into the engine, your vehicle will pick up speed sporadically and in surges.
Call John Ellis & Son in Sacramento, CA, today to schedule a service appointment if you believe your fuel pump is going bad. We can test the pump and replace it.
