Ever wonder what happens to fuel from the time you fill your car with gas to when you crank it? It’s a fascinating process, and one of the most essential components in it is a little item called the fuel injection pump. This section is vital for the working of your car to prevent losses on either end. In this article, we will cover what the fuel pump strainer is, what it does, why it is so beneficial to your engine and what you can do to take care of it. We will also offer you useful suggestions on when to check it, and when to seek professional assistance.
A fuel pump strainer is a small but very vital filter that performs a significant functionality in your car's fuel system. Its primary job is to trap dirt, dust and other unsavory particles in the gasoline before it gets to the fuel pump. It's like the superhero that guards the fuel pump from being damaged! If the strainer fails, dirt and debris can enter the fuel pump, leading to costly repairs. A failing fuel pump can cause your engine to run poorly, make it hard to start the car, or prevent the engine from running at all.
Maintaining your fuel injection system is essential to avoiding costly repairs. Regular maintenance and check-ups will help in keeping your car and engine running smoothly. If you notice anything unusual like trouble starting your car, or your car not getting much power as it normally does, you might have a dirty or damaged fuel pump strainer. If there’s any doubt that something is amiss, have it checked and probably replaced immediately. Putting this off can create larger problems in the future and can cause you a lot more money to repair.
This is how the fuel pump strainer works. As gasoline passes through the strainer, any large chunks of dirt or debris become trapped inside its filter. This keeps all that unwanted gunk away from the fuel pump. But with time when more dirt gets trapped in the vessel, it tends to get it clogged. If this occurs, the strainer will struggle to function correctly, and your engine might fail to perform as expected. A clogged strainer can, in extreme cases, cause added strain on the fuel pump, creating a cascading series of issues on your engine.
The fuel pump strainer is an essential component of your car's engine system, and its function is significant for the overall performance of your car. If this strainer gets clogged, you might face grave consequences including but not limited to:your engine not getting needed oil to keep it going and low engine performance. Let this be a lesson about properly maintaining your fuel pump strainer. Frequent maintenance, including checking and changing when needed, will keep your car operating smoothly and efficiently.
Some tips to maintain these life-savers of your engine system. Use high quality gasoline is the first step in reducing risk of impurities get into the injectors. It is also important to keep your gas tank clean! As a best practice, fill your tank when it reaches about one-quarter full, which can also help avoid sediment build-up at the bottom. Fuel pump strainers are usually meant to be replaced every 40,000 miles, or per your car’s owner manual. And it's also a good idea to replace the fuel filter as well when doing so, as you'll get the best performance possible from the fuel system.
If you ever hear any changes in the way your car performs- like a hard start or a lack of power- that may be indication that your fuel pump strainer is clogged or damaged. So this is one of those times where you will want to go to a mechanic. DXM advises this means taking your car to a trained mechanic who can accurately diagnose and resolve the problem. They have the skills and tools required to make sure everything is operating correctly.