Wear and tear, outdated components, and other environmental factors often cause poor fuel pump performance in older cars. In automotive studies, the typical life of fuel pumps was estimated to range between 100,000 and 150,000 miles; after years of service, their efficiency goes way down. In older vehicles, the fuel pump can experience pressure loss, causing the engine to sputter or stall at any time, especially upon acceleration or when the vehicle is at idle. This may be traced to several factors: clogged fuel filters or severely damaged fuel lines.
Among the primary problems that occur in older automobiles is the deterioration of the fuel pump because of long exposures to heat, dirt and debris inside the fuel system. In fact, Ford estimates that the average life of a car’s fuel pump older than 10 years can be reduced by up to 40%, mainly because of extreme conditions. When this happens, the fuel pump may struggle to maintain the proper fuel pressure that is critical for the engine’s performance. If the fuel pump is struggling to supply adequate fuel, it may result in lower engine power or difficulty starting.
To address these issues, the first step is to inspect the fuel filter. Over time, a clogged filter can restrict fuel flow to the fuel pump, increasing the strain on the pump and reducing its effectiveness. According to AutoZone, replacing a fuel filter every 30,000 to 40,000 miles will help in improving fuel flow and restoring the efficiency of the pump. However, in older cars, long-term failure to deal with the fuel filter leads to eventual damage to the pump and other fuel system components.
Corrosion or damage to fuel lines is yet another commonly encountered problem with older cars. These lines carry the fuel from the tank to the fuel pump and the engine. In older vehicles, fuel lines can corrode or leak and cause the fuel pressure to drop. According to General Motors, in cars older than 15 years, the fuel lines may corrode sufficiently to reduce the capability of the fuel pump to provide the required pressure. The replacement of worn-out fuel lines is a pretty easy solution that can save the pump from further damage.
Other factors contributing to performance issues include faulty fuel pump relays and fuses in older models. The fuel pump requires a relay to supply power to it, and if this relay fails, the proper signals will not reach the pump. According to Toyota, on older models, many of the electrical relays wear out or become erratic, thus leading to the failure of the fuel pump. Many fuel pump issues are solved by diagnosing and replacing a bad relay; this restores the car’s engine performance.
Lastly, the fuel tank should be checked for sediment or water contamination. Older cars, especially those that haven’t been well taken care of, may build up debris or water in the fuel tank, which can wreck the fuel pump. BMW explains that fuel tank contamination is a common problem for vehicles older than 20 years. A flushing of the tank to clean out contaminants can eliminate blockage of the fuel pump and minimize the chances of early failure.
The summary is that a fuel pump malfunction in cars with high mileage may be caused by a number of causes: clogged filters, faulty fuel lines, faulty relays, or even contamination in the fuel tank. Regular maintenance, such as fuel filter replacement, checking the fuel lines for corrosion, and the fuel pump relay, will greatly extend the life of the fuel pump and overall performance of the engine. Replacing the fuel pump with a high-quality unit can restore the car’s fuel delivery system to its original performance. For quality fuel pump replacements, visit Fuel Pump.
