Question
I was driving one day, and my car started sputtering and then the engine finally quit, and I couldn’t get it started. I was towed to a shop and found out I had to replace my fuel pump.
What could I have done to have saved my fuel pump?
Answer
This is a tough one because there isn’t any maintenance recommended for fuel pumps. They’re inside the fuel tank and you really can’t get to them without removing the tank. But you can do some things to make their job easier, so they last a little longer.
A lot of vehicles are equipped with a fuel filter on their gas line. This filters out dirt and rust from the gas tank before it gets to the engine. Replacing a clogged fuel filter as recommended reduces the strain on your fuel pump.
Newer vehicles have their fuel filter inside the fuel tank, so it cannot be changed. A good tip is to not run the fuel tank too low – this can cause fuel starvation that excessively wears the pump.
Also, you can’t go wrong using good quality gas with high levels of detergent. This helps prevent the buildup of varnish and gum all along the fuel system.
A professional fuel system cleaning will clean fuel injectors and help remove carbon deposits from the valves and combustion chamber.
All these things improve fuel economy and increase performance. Ask your service advisor if a fuel system cleaning is recommended.
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203 S. Myrtle Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-461-0606
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