Fuel pump replacement is essential for maintaining optimal fuel economy because a malfunctioning or worn-out fuel pump disrupts the fuel delivery system, leading to inefficiencies in fuel consumption. Fuel pumps are designed to deliver fuel at a constant pressure, usually between 40 and 70 psi, depending on the type and specification of the vehicle’s engine. This means that when the pump can’t maintain this pressure, too little or too much fuel is fed to the engine, which results in poor combustion efficiency. The result is an imbalance that can make the engine burn more fuel than necessary, noticeably reducing the miles per gallon.
Fuel delivery problems account for around 15% of fuel economy losses in older vehicles, according to AAA’s 2021 Vehicle Performance Study, particularly in those with fuel pumps that have been in service for more than 100,000 miles. The more it gets older, the less able the fuel pump may be to supply fuel at all times to the engine, thus compelling the ECU to adjust other parameters like ignition timing or air-fuel mixture to maintain combustion. This results in inefficient combustion, which affects fuel economy directly.
“Replacing a worn-out fuel pump ensures that the engine gets the right amount of fuel at the right time, which is vital for maintaining fuel efficiency,” says Laura Williams, an automotive technician. As a matter of fact, a faulty fuel pump can result in a 10-15% reduction in fuel economy, as observed in vehicles with failing pumps. This problem is more severe on urban driving conditions where frequent stops and accelerations make the engine continuously dependent on fuel supply. In such conditions, a faulty pump that cannot steadily provide fuel increases the rate at which fuel is consumed.
The other factor that contributes to inefficiency in fuel is vaporization of fuel, usually occurring when a pump starts failing. In high temperatures, vapor lock can form and the fuel will actually vaporize inside the lines and create air pockets that obstruct the proper flow of liquid fuel to the engine. This causes an inconsistent delivery of fuel and can cause the engine to misfire or hesitate. A 2020 study done by Consumer Reports showed that in vehicles over 8 years old, fuel pump malfunction problems, such as vapor lock, directly related to 20% of the fuel efficiency loss.
Moreover, a faulty fuel pump may actuate the vehicle’s Check Engine Light or CEL to indicate that something in the fuel system is not running correctly. For instance, a few case studies on the Ford F-150 series have documented that more than 12% of CEL cases are related to problems with the fuel pumps or their components. In sum, when the engine cannot work optimally because of inappropriate fuel flow, increased emission rates and reduced overall fuel economy would result.
Replacing and maintaining a fuel pump at the right time can therefore restore fuel efficiency and save drivers significant amounts in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle. The cost to replace a fuel pump generally falls in the range of $400 to $600, depending on the model of the vehicle, but the return on investment is clear. That will save the average driver $200 a year in fuel costs with up to a 15% improvement in fuel economy and is, therefore, a long-term wise financial decision for changing the pump.
Reliable Replacements for Fuel Pumps to Maintain Engine Efficiency and Achieve Good Fuel Economy-Meet Industry Standards Guarantee Smooth Operation of the Car’s Fuel System at Fuel Pump.