A fuel pump testing method can give the confirmation whether or not there is enough pressure, and flow and efficiency as needed for the engine to run optimally. One common method is the use of a fuel pressure test gauge, which hooks up to the test port on the fuel rail and displays pressure instantaneously. Most fuel injected engines need somewhere between 40 to 70 PSI depending on the vehicle. Should the gauge read lower than anticipated, it could mean that either a pump is failing or perhaps a fuel filter is blocked somewhere down the line, starving the engine of the vital fuel it needs to operate properly.
Flow rate testing measures the pump transfer volume over a given time to a specific volume of fuel delivered in a specified timeframe. Flow is typically quantified in liters per hour (LPH) by mechanics, and high-performance cars frequently need more than 200 LPH to provide power requirements at high RPMs. Flow rates are important to check, especially in vehicles with higher mileage — a reduction of even a 10% flow rate can affect the engine efficiency and performance. Industry experts recommend that fuel pumps above the required flow rate should be replaced Failure to provide a sufficient amount of gas to the engine can cause symptoms such as engine misfires, engine stalling, and sluggish acceleration.
An electrical test, which is also critical, is performed with a multimeter to see if the voltage going to the fuel pump itself is healthy. Operating voltage is critical for most fuel pumps, where a steady and reliable 12 volts is needed. Falls in voltage under this range signify wiring faults, or loose connections, which cause erratic fuel delivery. A mechanical inspection of the fuel system is of key importance, but nationally, almost 15percent of fuel pump failures are electrical in nature, according to a report by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Current Draw Testing — how much electrical current the fuel pump draws during operation. Typical symptoms of internal binding from worn components manifest as a greater than normal current draw, which if not addressed shortly will cause the pump to run hot and fail prematurely. Normally, fuel pumps draw between 3–10 amps, so if your reading is way outside of this range, the pump may be on the way out and need replacing.
As the legendary automotive engineer Carroll Shelby once said, ‘Performance is all in the details.’ By having an expert check your fuel pump, they guarantee that all minor problems will be corrected before they become too serious and thus save you money on repairs, as well as keep your vehicle running smoothly. All testing milestones have been monitored and exceeded to ensure a smooth and consistent fuel delivery in all driving conditions – Choose a Quality branded Fuel Pump for proven results.