Heat increases the stress on the fuel pumps which can lead to failures, so we tend to see more fuel pump problems with hot weather. Hot temperatures can cause the fuel pump to malfunction or become damaged and stop working altogether. In the heat, a critical factor affecting pump performance is the temperature of the fuel in the tank. When the fuel gets too hot, it thins out, complicating the ability of the fuel pump to move the fuel. Fuel system failure due to heat accounts for nearly 20 percent of fuel pump failures in summer months according to CarTech Solutions.
One of the best-preventative measures is to avoid running the tank lower than a quarter full. This is crucial in extreme heat because a full tank reduces the potential for fuel to vapor lock. As the tank approaches emptiness, that leftover fuel is more at risk of heating up more quickly, and consequently puts added strain on the fuel pump. Ford also did tests that indicate in extreme heat with a nearly empty tank, you could see a 15-20% reduction in fuel pump life as it runs hotter and suffers more wear from overheating.
Fuel pumps are also usually located inside the fuel tank, with the fuel acting as a coolant for the pump. The average fuel pump should have a minimum of one-third of a tank of gas in order to maintain immersion and run cooler. In high temperatures, this accelerates the deterioration of the internal components of the pump. John Deere found that fleet vehicles consistently exposed to hot climates experienced 30% more failures related to fuel pumps when operated with low fuel in their tanks.
A preventative measure includes routinely checking the fuel filter. If the filter is clogged or dirty, it can cause the fuel pump to work harder, leading to overheating. Swapping out the filter every 30,000 to 50,000 miles — depending on what kind of vehicle you have — takes extra strain off the pump. In fact, Auto Diagnostics Group reports that more than 25 percent of the fuel pumps they replace are due to clogged filters, which inhibit the unrestricted flow of fuel and lead to pump overheating.
Additionally, use a quality fuel pump to avoid heat-related failures. Authorised pumps are rated for higher temperatures and pressures, meaning they will last longer. Fuel Pump manufacturers such as Kemso have treated these pumps with smart materials for greater heat intolerance. Their high-end pumps withstand temperatures up to 250°F, while standard models start to degrade at 180°F, they report.
[1] Steve Job — the only way to do great work is to love what you do. The same applies to your vehicle’s fuel system. When the vehicle is routinely serviced, and the fuel pump is kept cool and isolated from heat stress, these failures are greatly minimized.
For details on fuel pump servicing and premium replacements, continue reading Fuel Pump.