If your engine is losing power when you pick up speed, the fuel pump could be dying and is unable to supply the engine with the extra fuel that it needs. Heath’s Auto Service can replace your fuel pump if it has gone bad. This usually happens once the odometer is over 100,000 miles. Engine power loss at high speeds is just one sign that the fuel pump is malfunctioning. Here are other signs.
Stress Power Loss
Your engine will also lose power when it is under stress if the fuel pump cannot supply extra fuel. Examples of things that cause engine stress include towing a trailer behind your vehicle or driving up steep hills. A malfunctioning fuel pump will cause your engine to lose power in these situations.
Overheating Engine
Your engine may also start to overheat every time you drive your automobile if the fuel pump motor is overheating. The fuel pump uses the fuel it draws out of the tank to keep the motor cool. If the pump is unable to draw enough fuel, the motor will get too hot and this heat will transfer to your engine.
Low Fuel Pressure
Another sign that your fuel pump is going bad is if the fuel pressure in the engine is too low. We would be happy to test your fuel pressure here at our shop, but we also want to let you know that this can be a DIY job if you wanted to be. You just need to purchase a fuel pressure gauge at the auto parts store.
Unexpected Surges
Sometimes, a malfunctioning fuel pump will actually cause your engine to pick up speed rather than lose power. In this case, the fuel pump may be pushing excess gasoline or diesel fuel into the engine in spurts. When the engine receives the extra fuel, it will pick up speed by itself.
Poor Gas Mileage
A faulty fuel pump can also reduce your vehicle’s gas mileage. Unfortunately, whether the engine is struggling to run or surging, it is using extra fuel. Maintaining combustion can be difficult if the fuel pump is not supplying the engine with the right amount of fuel. This can affect your fuel economy.
Hard Starts/No Starts
Finally, your automobile may give you problems when you try to start it if it is fuel-starved. Naturally, if the fuel pump is not working as it should be, the engine may be deprived of necessary fuel.
Heath’s Auto Service in Flagstaff, AZ, can help, so call us today. We’d be happy to inspect your fuel pump and replace it if necessary.
