The most important question that comes to your mind is what you should do if your fuel pump stops working. This is really a serious question for many of us if I am not wrong.
Although, it is the simplest solution to change the faulty fuel pump, but today we will talk about some simple tips that will help you to understand how to temporary fix fuel pump and how you will be able to run your car until you reach the nearby auto shop in case of fuel pump failure.
There is no doubt that it is really scary for most of the car owners when they put the key in the ignition and the car does not start. You have to face the inconvenience of not being able to reach your desired place.
At the same time, you must be worried that it is going to take a big hit to your budget and it definitely does.
There are many common problems that may cause in your vehicle not working. It can be a dead battery, a damaged alternator, a defective ignition switch and a failed starter. If you have figured out that these are not the issues, then somehow it can be a fuel pump.
As far as, fuel pump is concerned, it plays a vital role to keep your car moving. Actually, your engine does not utilize pure gasoline to run but a combination of air and gas. To attain this, the fuel pump takes out gas from the tank to the carburetor where it gets mixed with air before it turns back to the engine.
So now the question arises that how to fix fuel pump without replacing it. Let’s learn the things step by step.
Contents
What is a Fuel Pump and How Does it Work?
As far as, fuel pump is concerned, it plays a vital role to keep your car moving. Actually, your engine does not utilize pure gasoline to run but a combination of air and gas. To attain this, the fuel pump takes out gas from the tank to the carburetor where it gets mixed with air before it turns back to the engine.
This is how a fuel pumps works in a real sense. And when there is some temporary fault then fuel pump quick fix options really work wonder for you.
Types of fuel pumps
Basically, there are two types of fuel pumps. One is electric, when we talk about these kinds of pumps, the first thing that you need to understand is that they utilize an electromagnetic switch that is identified as solenoid to fetch the fuel under high pressure.
Another kind is mechanical pumps: they are known for using the action of the camshaft to draw fuel within a pipe into the carburetor.
When, we talk about a fuel pump, it will start giving different alarming signs before it gets failed. Ultimately, you have to fix it on temporary basis or you can utilize the option of replacing too.
Firstly, we will talk about how to identify a faulty or a bad one fuel pump and what are its symptoms.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump
If there is an issue in the wiring system and fuse, obviously, no electric power will be available to reach the fuel pump. As a result, it will stop working.
Moreover, the engine will be heat up: no matter what fuel is left there and stop working. If this problem is going on at regular intervals, the engine will jolt and stop until it fails.
- The engine will falter at continuous high speed and after this it will continue normal performance. It is an alarming sign that your fuel pump is in a bad condition.
- When the temperature of the car will rise, it stops. It indicates that the fuel pump has some issues and you need to sort it out first.
- Your automobile will lose the capacity to perform optimally while carrying heavy cargo or climbing hills.
- Poor gas mileage is also noticeable as it may be a sign of bad fuel pump too.
- You will try to start your car time and again but all attempts would be fruitless.
- If you closely observe the fuel pump, you will hear an unusual sound which is again a sign of a defective fuel pump.
- Your car is moving at a normal speed and suddenly it will start rolling.
Once, you have figured out the issue, the next step is to fix the pump and how to make a fuelpump work again. If you want to do this at your own, check few things before trying to fix your fuel pump
Fuel level
You need to see the fuel level to ensure that there is sufficient fuel in the tank.
Fuel pumps noise
Concentrate on the fuel pump noise; try to hear a swish sound when you switch on the ignition, if you do not listen to it, see the electrical circuit, or use a computer Diagnostics trouble codes to test it. On the other hand, you should also keep this in your mind that some cars would not start due to lack of oil. So, in that case, see the car manual.
Fuel filter
This is another important point that you should not ignore. You need to figure out either the fuel filter is blocked or not. Moreover, if you think, you are using it for a long time, and now, this is the right time to replace it. If you want to read more about fuel filter check this article.
Fuel Pressure Regulator
Check if there is fuel in it or not and you want to know either it is working properly or not. If it is fully dry from inside, it means, it is working appropriately.
How To Fix a Fuel Pump Without Replacing It
Here, we will provide a complete guideline regarding fuel pump fixation without being replaced. But before that you have to do one thing, you should go for a fuel system pressure diagnosis to know whether the fuel system delivers fuel.
To perform that test what you need is a pressure gauge. Before you start the test, do not forget to put your car on emergency brake, switch off your car’s engine and then park your car on an even surface.
Next is the fixing process and you can say that it is a temporary fuel pump fix process. It is divided into ten steps.
First step
If you see your fuel pressure regulator, you will find a vacuum line that is attached to it. Take out that line and if you discover the fuel within the line, it shows that the regulator has damaged.
Second step
Once you have done with your regulator, now you can connect the vacuum line.
Third step
Now, look for a protective cap and eradicate it. It will assist you to attach the hose of the fuel pressure gauge. You can open test gauge too for checking the fuel pressure.
Fourth step
Now place the gauge with the right adapter and attach line to the test port. But, somehow, if you are not successful to find the fuel test port, it shows that fuel filter adapter is mandatory. It will work as a fuel test port.
Fifth step
Once, you have fixed the gauge, now you can switch on the ignition key. It is noticeable that in many direct port injector systems, the gauge will go up to 45 to 58 PSI. On the other hand, the throttle body injector will climb up to 13 to 17 PSI.
If all goes well, it means that the pump is still in a working mode with electrical component. Otherwise, if no pressure is showing on the gauge in that situation you need to observe the relay and fuse in the power distribution centre.
Sixth step
When you will try to start the engine, first the pressure will drop and then on releasing the throttle it will rise. This mechanism will show that pressure regulator is doing a good job and if it does not happen then regulator is faulty.
Seventh step
At this point, you have to check that while the fuel system is doing well, the PSI will show a bit decrease.
Eight step
At this step, if you notice the engine is idle and you have a low fuel pressure, it means pump is faulty or the fuel filter has been blocked.
Ninth step
After completing the whole test, place a cotton towel to suck the extra fuel under the test port that comes from hose. After opening the hose, the fuel will leak on this towel.
Tenth step
In case of continuous leaking, place hose on the top of your towel so it could suck the fuel well. When you have completely handled gauge hose, reinstall dust cap. And here you can confirm the fuel leaking area too.
So with the help of this process you can know that how to fix a fuel pump without replacing it.