So with you fuel pump, if it still runs but will not make pressure there can be a number of reasons. This could happen from a clogged fuel filter, among other things [source:Darling]. According to research, as high as 25% of fuel delivery problems are due to dirty filters causing low engine power and poor starting. The cost of replacing a clogged filter is between $50 and $150, depending on the vehicle model and labor.
An additional possible cause of inadequate fuel pressure is a faulty fuel pressure regulator. This part is very necessary to retain pressure in the fuel system. If it stops working, it could cause fuel to flow back to the tank instead of sending it to the engine. The significance of this part was further underlined by a report from an automotive service center that stated as much as 20 percent of the vehicles it serviced with fuel delivery problems had defective regulators.
Also, inspect the fuel lines for leaks. With even a small leak, fuel pressure drops quite significantly even with the pump working. Fuel system problems can contribute to poor fuel economy, excess emissions and potential safety hazards when fuel leaks from car gas tanks. Industry experts estimate that up to 15% of current fuel systems have formed uncontrolled evaporate leaks over the tank’s life expectancy. Other incidents can be traced to leaks in any part of the fuel line, inspecting this component also for signs of wear and tear is necessary to find out whether it has given in under pressure.
In 2020 news emerged about a well-known automotive brand coming under fire due to fuel pumps running at lower pressures than required, resulting in customer complaints. This incident underscored the need for scheduled maintenance and to know how different parts in the fuel system work together. Automotive Tecnician Lisa Brown said, “A fuel pump is as good as its supporting components.
Even then, the fuel pump itself might be failing. Although it may seem to be working okay, wear and tear can affect how well it works. A study found that close to 30 percent of fuel pump failures are caused by mechanical, internal problems like broken gears or impellers. This will result in the pump running but not delivering enough pressure, and it may need to be replaced which is expensive (over $400)
Finally, the vehicle electrical system may also affect fuel pump performance. When a pump gets too low of voltage, you can ruin the motor because it is not optimized for the correct amount of power it should be receiving. Less than 10% of fuel pump issues are thought to be connected to other electrical faults, like faulty connections or a compromised relay. West notes that testing the electrical components can indicate whether the pump is getting proper voltage.
If your pump is running and there is no pressure, this will need to be checked component by component. Further seek and search with resources for Fuel Pump technology to ensure that your fuel system is working at its maximum efficiency.