Get the Best Priced Fuel Pump Assembly

Fuel Pump Assembly General Overview

One of your car’s most important features is, not surprisingly, the engine – and engine performance is largely dependent on the performance of the fuel system responsible for providing it with gas or diesel.

An engine is only as good as its inputs – and its inputs are only as good as the fuel system that regulates them. For this reason, drivers spend a good deal of time and resources managing their fuel injection and delivery systems.

From fuel injectors to fuel pressure regulators down to the very hoses and fuel lines, this system is often tweaked and re-tweaked time and time again. One of the most important parts of any fuel delivery system is the fuel pump..

Gas is the lifeblood of your engine, and the fuel pump is the heart of your fuel delivery system. It tirelessly distributes fuel when you need it, letting you get the smooth ride and reliable performance you've come to expect from your vehicle. Failure of this part leads to many problems, ending with total loss of fuel delivery.

The fuel pump on most contemporary vehicles is an electric part mounted to the gas tank. Your fuel pump assembly moves gasoline from the gas tank to the vehicle's motor, where it's combined with oxygen for combustion inside the cylinders. It works whenever your engine is on, delivering gas from the tank along the fuel rail. From there, fuel is pushed into your injectors to power your engine. You might also have a mechanical fuel pump operated by a camshaft, so make sure to check your vehicle's maintenance manual. Regardless of the type of pump, the function of pushing fuel through the line makes it one of the most critical components of a fuel delivery system.

We carry industry-leading brands of fuel pump assemblies at PartsGeek.com, including Carter, VDO, Denso, Action Crash, Motorcraft, Delphi, Bosch, Professional Parts Sweden, AC Delco, Pierburg, Spectra Premium, Beck Arnley, Airtex, Genuine and Autobest. Fuel system components are just one category among the millions of discount parts we have in our warehouses. Your purchases are covered under our 30-day policy to make sure you get what you need.

Two Types of Fuel Pumps: Mechanical and Electric

Mechanical and electric fuel pumps are the two primary types to consider. Each has its own unique operating mechanism.

Mechanical pumps are often found on older vehicles while electrical fuel pumps are what power the larger set of vehicles on the road today.

Mechanical Fuel Pump

In the realm of carbureted automobile engines, we find the humble mechanical fuel pump. This type operates via a lever system combined with a rubber diaphragm, which creates suction. The function? To draw up fuel from your gas tank towards your engine.

Mechanical pumps don't require wiring or electrical power since it's mechanisms to operate are directly fueled by the vehicles engine function, which in turn makes them slightly more reliable.

Some disadvantages of the mechanical design are that they have a limited flow rate, and may not be able to deliver enough fuel to high horsepower modern engines. They also may suffer from vapor lock in hot climates, meaning the fuel vaporizes in the pump and restricts it from delivering fuel.

Electric Fuel Pump

On the other hand, electronic fuel pumps are found in newer model cars. These create positive pressure right within your vehicle's gas tank itself.

This innovative design means they're able not only to push but also to deliver fuel toward the engine more efficiently than any traditional mechanical version could dream of doing.

The electric fuel pump gets power from the car's battery and starts pumping fuel instantly. These pumps can also respond to the engine's demand for fuel more quickly and accurately than a mechanical pump.

High Pressure Fuel Pumps

High pressure direct injection fuel pumps are simply advanced mechanical fuel pumps.

The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) is a mechanically-driven component, usually powered by a camshaft lobe, that steps up the pressure of the fuel received from the standard low pressure (5 to 60 psi) fuel pump. The HPFP can generate fuel pressure from 500 to 5,000 psi or even higher.

If you're looking for the best priced high pressure fuel pumps, check our inventory at Parts Geek.

We offer high pressure fuel pumps starting at $99, with a 30-day return policy.

6 Signs of Fuel Pump Failure

It might be easy to overlook, but when the fuel pump begins malfunctioning, the signs are difficult to miss. For instance, if your engine temperature fluctuates erratically, this could indicate that your fuel pump isn't working correctly.

The most extreme result of failed gas pumps is that fuel stops going to the engine. This makes your vehicle stop, and you won't be able to start it. There are other symptoms as well:

1. Engine stalls

2. Sputtering engine

3. Loss of power during acceleration

4. Unintentional power surges

5. Clicking noises coming from your fuel pump

6. Sudden drop in gas mileage

If you have any of these symptoms, make sure to check your pump as well as your fuel filter and lines.

Causes Behind Fuel Pump Failure

A fuel pump failure can be the result of various factors.

A common cause is consistently keeping a low level of gas in your vehicle's tank. This not only puts undue strain on the fuel pump assembly, but also accelerates wear and tear, leading to potential issues down the line.

The quality and cleanliness of your gasoline also play an equally important role when discussing the causes behind failing fuel pumps. Contaminated or dirty fuel has been known to damage the delicate mechanisms within a fuel pump motor, and can easily clog your fuel filter.

Over time, this leads to reduced performance or even outright failure.

Running out of gas may seem like nothing more than an inconvenience at first glance; however, doing so can ignite residual vapors within your system, which might lead to serious harm, including potential damage to components such as electric fuel pumps housed inside the gas tank itself.

Other common causes of pump failure include:

• Driving in consistently hot climates

• Electrical malfunctions and wear

What does a Fuel Pump Replacement Cost?

Fuel pumps cost about an average of $400-$500 when they need to be replaced. You can pay more or less depending on the type of pump.

The cost of labor for a mechanic to replace your pump will cost around $500 - $700 on average.

In total your fuel pump replacement will average between $900 - $1,200 with parts and labor.

But when you shop at Parts Geek, you can save at least $250 of your cost of parts, bringing your total cost down to $700 - $950.

Keep in mind you'll also usually pay more for electrical gas pumps that are able to deliver a more precise pressure.

Fuel Pump FAQs

Written By: Edson Farnell | Email |