No matter what make and model of European automobile that you drive, you should get at least 100,000 miles out of the fuel pump if you take good care of your car or crossover. Euro Autoworks advises that if you are driving a high-mileage European automobile, you may end up with a dead fuel pump sooner rather than later. Here are signs that your fuel pump is going out.
The Engine Is Getting Too Hot
If your engine is running too hot yet everything is okay with the cooling system, this is a sign that the fuel pump motor is overheating because the pump is not drawing enough fuel out of the tank to cool it. The diesel fuel or gasoline found in your European automobile acts as a coolant for the fuel pump motor. Too little fuel will cause the motor to overheat and, as a consequence, your engine to overheat.
The Engine Picks Up Speed Unexpectedly
One way that a fuel pump can go bad is that it can get stuck in the open position. When this happens, excess fuel makes its way into your European automobile’s engine. Consequently, the engine may surge or pick up speed unexpectedly because of the leaking fuel pump.
The Engine Sputters When Driving Fast
A dying fuel pump often has difficulty drawing the fuel out of the tank and pushing it through to the engine. When this happens, the engine becomes fuel-starved. You will notice that your engine sputters at high speeds because it isn’t getting enough fuel to support the power demand you are placing on it.
The Engine Sputters When Under Stress
The same thing happens when your engine is under stress. This could be that you are towing something are driving up steep, mountainous roads. You should be able to maintain your engine power under these conditions, but if the fuel pump is going bad, it may be unable to pump the excess fuel into the engine.
The Fuel Pressure Is Too Low
A fuel pressure gauge will tell you if the fuel pressure is too low in your European automobile. If it is, this is likely due to a faulty fuel pump. You can pick up the gauge at an auto parts store and test the fuel pressure yourself. Just check your owner’s manual for the fuel pressure range.
There’s a Decrease in the Fuel Economy
If the fuel pump is stuck in the open position and leaking excess fuel into the engine, you will end up with a reduction in your European automobile’s fuel economy. The engine will burn away the excess fuel and, if it is a lot of fuel, you may also see black exhaust smoke.
You Cannot Get the Engine Started
Finally, if the fuel pump has died completely, your European automobile is basically dead, as well. You won’t be able to get your engine started because it won’t have any fuel in it.
Euro Autoworks in Woodbury, MN, is here to help. We’d be happy to inspect your fuel pump and replace it if necessary.