Among the things that most people take for granted is the car’s engine working without any problems. Although an engine is a complex machine with many moving parts, people expect it to run.
When driving, regardless of where several things happen behind the scenes, one of them is the fuel that moves from the fuel tank to the engine, where it combusts to propel the car. A working fuel pump is needed for the fuel to be combusted for car propulsion.
A fuel pump is the main component in almost all combustion engines except some older engine models available on motorcycles.
The fuel pump is located either outside the fuel tank or just on it. The pump is responsible for moving fuel from the tank to the fuel line and the engine.
Moreover, the fuel tank filters youtube impurities from the gas tank before sending the fuel itself to the engine.
The fuel pump also has a fuel gauge that floats on the gas tank to give the dashboard readings. It is essential to know that the fuel pump can go bad, and once it does, the car will no longer move. This means it needs to be fixed or replaced, but do you know how long it takes to replace a fuel pump.
So, how long does it take to replace a fuel pump?
The time to replace a fuel pump is not constant and can vary based on various factors. But on average, it can take between 2 to 3 hours to replace it.
Hence it is important to replace the fuel pump immediately; there is a need to do so since an effectively working fuel pump is equal to an optimally working car motor. There is an average of two hours for labor, but sometimes it can be even more.
Contents
Can a fuel pump be fixed and not replaced?
If your fuel pump fails or becomes faulty, it is highly advisable to take it to the mechanic to sort out the issue. In most cases, the best solution to a defective fuel pump is to replace but if the parts affected can be easily fixed.
The other condition that can make fixing possible is if the damage is not significant, which cannot make it necessary for an entire replacement.
Is replacing a fuel pump hard?
Replacing a fuel pump is an arduous task and can only be done by a professional. This is especially if you have a full gas tank. Moreover, since fuel is highly flammable, the work can be dangerous.
Therefore it is advisable to take necessary precautions if you decide to do it by yourself. Moreover, you should have a fire extinguisher handy.
But generally, the whole replacement procedure is not complex as long as you follow the correct guide or the owner’s manual, and it can be done with just hand tools.
How much does it cost to change a fuel pump?
A fuel pump replacement can cost about $220 to $1,062, depending on the car’s age and model. The labor costs can cost between $124 to $ 260, with the papers costing between $95 to $ 854. These costs vary based on the kind of damage the car and the engine that the fuel pump supports.
Where is the fuel pump located?
Damaged fuel pumps are common, but these parts work hard and under challenging conditions to ensure your car’s engine works.
Fitting new pumps is not a challenge, but finding the fitting pump is the bigger challenge. Motors and fuel pumps are located in the gas tank in modern vehicles.
They should be fitted on the trunk floor or below the back seat when replacing the fuel pump. Diesel fuel engines have two fuel pumps fitted on them, including a high-pressure pump fitted on the engine and the lift pump fixed inside the fuel tank.
So in most cases, the fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank.
Can the mechanic encounter issues when replacing the fuel pump?
Replacing a fuel pump is tricky both for you and even the mechanic. So, mechanics can also encounter problems when replacing the fuel pump because of the complicatedness of the whole replacement process.
It is challenging because you first need to replace the fuel pump and other papers in the car for them to reach the pump.
Fuel pumps are meant to transfer fuel to the engine fuel management system from the fuel tank. The fuel pumps only generate a flow from the tanks, but the rails cause the pressure.
Modern vehicles mostly have a fuel pump and a fuel filter as a single unit; this means that to replace a fuel filter, you have to replace the fuel pump, and so when replacing the fuel pump.
This makes the process challenging. The older vehicle models have the fuel pumps located at the engine block, making the process easier.
But modern ones have the pump located in the fuel pump, making it necessary for the fuel tank to be removed to get to the fuel pump.
Therefore, generally, mechanics encounter issues while replacing fuel pumps on most modern vehicles compared to older vehicles.
Are there problems after replacing the fuel pump?
Yes, you are likely to face problems after changing a fuel pump. Some of the issues that you are likely to encounter include
- Engine failing to start
- Incorrect fuel pressure gage readings
- No fuel pressure
- High pitched whirring
- Car stalling after putting gas
- The fuel gauge is not working correctly
- Car accelerates suddenly
Should I buy an OEM fuel pump or aftermarket?
It is advisable to buy an OEM fuel pump rather than an aftermarket. The OEM fuel pumps are made with quality materials that could last pretty longer than the aftermarket.
Moreover, it is hard to get an aftermarket pump that can fit your car, and if you do, it won’t be performing optimally.
Conclusion
A fuel pump is a vital part of a car’s engine, without which the car won’t move. This means that this part needs special care and immediate attention whenever damaged. In most cases, fuel pumps need replacements instead of fixes unless the damage is not significant.
