2006-09-29 09:41:18 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The best way is to measure the operating pressure with the adequate manometer. Even though there are some reliable but inexpensive models, high pressure injection systems in modern cars make it a nightmare to find the right "connector". As for symptoms they can vary from just sluggish starting, to low power, to a completely stalled engine. I any case check the fuel filters first and replace them if needed. BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHEN WORKING WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM.
2006-09-29 09:49:08 · answer #1 · answered by Jose R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the car and the year it is you may have a mechanical pump or an electric one. If you have fuel injectors, then you have an electric pump and it must provide you with at least 40 foot pounds per square inch in order to have the system work properly. If you have a carburetor, you may have the fuel pump on the engine and it should provide you with about 10 Lbs. PSI. Either way the pressure has to be there in order for the engine to run. Otherwise it won't or it will, but it won't get you to highway speeds.
2006-09-29 17:04:39 · answer #2 · answered by GUILLERMO U 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
fuel pumps fail in different ways...
1. Noise - They can drive you crazy being noisy though they might still pump fuel. My experience tells me a noisy fuel pump is one that is going to fail you sometime though...
2. Diminished fuel capacity. This is the one that gets you most of the time. Depending on how you drive your car, you might not notice a failing fuel pump until it fails to pump at all which then leaves you stranded.
Here are a few hints of what to do to find out if your fuel pump is OK. First, get yourself a service manual! It will tell you specific details about the systems on your car including the fuel pump. But, here's some ideas...
Disconnect the fuel line in the engine compartment and connect a temporary hose leading to a clean bucket placed on the ground beside the car. Without starting the car, turn the key on (energizes the fuel pump) and let it run for exactly one minute. Measure the fuel in the bucket in ounces, cups or whatever. Compare that with the capacity the pump is supposed to put out (in your manual). If it's considerably lower than expected, consider a new fuel pump BUT ONLY AFTER YOU'VE REPLACED ALL THE FUEL FILTERS UPSTREAM IN THE LINE TO THE TANK.
Fuel filters get clogged over time and limit the amount of fuel the pump can deliver.
If, after you've changed the fuel filters, the pump still produces less than specified capacity, you need a new pump.
Here's how your car responds to a less than adequate fuel delivery...
Loss of power at higher speeds where fuel demand is higher. Idle is fine, slow speed is fine. But as your speed increases, the engine starts to falter, sputter and spit and otherwise acts like a spoiled child. Roughly the same kind of symptoms you get with a clogged air filter too so check that out as well.
Good luck!
2006-09-29 16:54:21 · answer #3 · answered by Les 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you know your car best, so listen to it. when you first put the key in and turn to the "on" position, do you hear a buzzing sound? when the car is running (stopped at idle), do you hear a buzzing type sound from the rear?
usualy when a fuel pump is going out, it will quit on you after it's been running (after a drive to the store) and gets hot. sometimes you can let it sit for a while and it will restart.
another way would be to take it to a shop and ask them to test the fuel pressure.
2006-09-29 16:53:00 · answer #4 · answered by fast24vveedub 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do I know if YOUR fuel pump is not working right? Beats me. BUT, if your car won't start, that would be one of the first things to check.
2006-09-29 16:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fuel pump on what, Lawnmower, Tractor, Speedboat, Be more specific if u want a proper answer.......
2006-09-29 16:52:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
More info is needed in order to provide a good answer.
2006-09-29 16:47:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea hoe "I" would know if "your" fuel pump was bad without more information.
2006-09-29 16:44:36 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Simple answer is, Your cars engine will either not start at all, Or you won't have much power on accelleration,
2006-09-29 16:56:00 · answer #9 · answered by DIAMOND_GEEZER_56 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stuttering engine? go to the garage you homeless bum (sorry) but a garage would be your best bet cheap skate asking people on the internet how to diagnos a bloody feul pump....... crap i was still typing, god damn my loud mind
2006-09-29 16:51:44 · answer #10 · answered by DAZ4518 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋