To keep you safe from any kind of electrical hazard start cleaning your fuel pump by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. Then you must remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank and that usually involves disconnecting a number of hoses, as well as a few electrical connections. > In general, it takes 1-2 hours to do this depending on the make and model of your car. Smaller cars — like a Honda Civic — might have easier-to-reach fuel pumps which makes the job quicker, while larger trucks might require removal of more components.
After removal, it is important to inspect the pump for debris, sediment and / or wear. Usually a clogged fuel pump filter will overheat and fail prematurely causing reduced fuel flow even by 30-40%, resulting in very poor engine performance. Soak the filter in a mix of gasoline and a commercial fuel system cleaner to clean it. Doing do will help to break down any dirt that has been caught up in the barrel over time, particularly if its running low grade fuel.
After the filter is clean, dry it out using compressed air. When applying air pressure it should be done cautiously as excessive air can lead to filter damage. In general, 30-40 psi pressure should do the trick to clean and dry it without any damage. If the filter is damaged significantly, best consider replacing the entire fuel pump which typically costs $10-20 for most automobiles. This dependency on the fuel pump design of your vehicle.
A can of fuel pump cleaner, manufactured for high performance pumps, will also work on the fuel pump itself. After that, pour the cleaner into the intake of pump and let it run through for 5 to 10 minutes and break up any leftover gunk inside. Fuel System Cleaners – These can improve the efficiency of a fuel pump by up to 15%, it is an excellent option for those dealing with older models or ones that have been beat up by contaminants. The best solution on the market would be cleaners such as Lucas, Seafoam and more. After cleaning, blow air through the pump to dislodge any of the cleaner still inside.
Note: not all fuel pumps are cleanable In fact, many in-tank pumps are sealed units that cannot be cleaned and must be replaced if they file. High performance fuel pumps, such as those from Walbro or AEM can often times be rebuildable, and if maintained properly the service life can last them up to 50% longer. It is incredibly important to consult with the manufacturer guidelines before you begin any cleaning process, as improper cleaning can void warranties or make the pump less efficient.
Reinstallation of the pump must proceed with caution using new washers gaskets 0-rings if necessary and all hoses or electrical connection tightened up properly to prevent leakage or short circuit. An unsecured fuel pump can be the cause of erratic fuel delivery, an inherently dangerous condition since any disruption in the flow of gasoline combined with a sparking device can lead to a fire. A continual 10-20% loss of power is symptomatic. Replacing the fuel pump is expensive ($200–600+), but uninstalling and reinstalling isn't.
It is best to clean the pump every 30,000-50,000 miles particularly if you are running a vehicle in an area that has low quality fuel or where the sediment level is high. By servicing your pump, you can add years to its life expectancy and decrease the chances of having an engine misfire or rough start. A clean fuel system is well worth the small investment, especially compared to the cost of replacing a pump, which can be anywhere from $400-$1000.
If you would like to learn more about how to take care of your Fuel Pump, or if you want any advice, be sure to check the link below for other helpful resources on this and many other subjects.
